Mikel Merino described his sudden transformation in the new striker of Arsenal because of their injury crisis as 'crazy' – and now has eyes on winning the Champions League.
Injuries to Kai Havertz, Bukayo Saka, Gabriel Martinelli and Gabriel Jesus have seen the gunners worn in front and have left Merino to fill the void.
But despite this, the North London club succeeded on Tuesday evening at impressive PSV Eindhoven with 7-1 in their Champions League Last 16 first stage to the club ever in the competition.
Merino came to the score sheet to add to the two goals he hit Leicester in the Premier League on 15 February.
It was an experiment with mixed results, but flourished on Tuesday.
He said: 'It's a bit crazy, to be honest, but at the same time it is about having the right mentality, the right approach to the game.
'If the coach tells you to play one position, you have to take all your characteristics and put them on the table for the team.
“I try to adjust. I try to do things in the best possible way and of course some days will be better, some days will be worse – but the work is every day, the grinding. '
Arsenal is one of the favorites to go all the way in Europe, which is only further strengthened by the thrashing of PSV.
About their chances of winning the competition, Merino said: 'I think it should be the goal of every team in this tournament – and it is certain of us.
“We are here to win, to win every game, and if we do what we know we can do, I think we will almost win it.”
Before February, the defensive midfielder played as an attacker for the last time when he was at school.
“It was a long time ago, I was seven years old,” he explained.
'I was in my school team, with the children there. I mean, I played everywhere, not just as a striker. They were five children who run around the field!
'But this is the time that I play as a striker and it is something new for me. I try to adjust the best possible way. I was lucky to score and help today (against PSV), so I think I help the team. I do the best I can do. '
The Spaniard has benefited from taking different positions earlier in midfield, which helped him to adapt. The custody of manager Mikel Arteta is also a factor.
He added: 'I spoke with the analysts, the boss too. I am proud that I try to understand what is happening on the field, not only in my position as a no. 8, but also other positions of other teammates.
'I think understanding what happens in other situations on the field also helps you in your role. So I can understand what a striker in this team should do. At the same time, I think the other teammates understand what the No. 8 should do. It's a group thing.
“Everyone knows what everyone should do, and that is the way we work and it is really useful for me now.”
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