At a Glance:
- Lamine Yamal’s mother is a “big fan” of Arsenal star.
- Yamal agrees with her that he is underrated.
- The Premier League champion is a unique footballer.
Despite Arsenal always garnering headlines due to their status of being an elite club, some players often go under-the-radar at the Emirates Stadium, as is the case with any and every side in world football.
Leandro Trossard claimed David Raya has been underrated for his outstanding showings during the 2025/2026 season.
Trossard has been underappreciated by the masses himself, as big names like Bukayo Saka and Declan Rice often grab the headlines at the club.
However, Lamine Yamal’s mother, Sheila Ebana believes one Arsenal player is especially underrated.
Lamine Yamal’s mother says Arsenal star Mikel Merino is underrrated
On his official YouTube channel, Yamal was quizzed by a fan about which player he reckons is underrated.
Explaining which players can be classified as underrated to his mother, the Spanish international cited Gerard Martin and Thomas Mueller as examples.
Yamal’s mother named Mikel Merino, saying: “Merino from Arsenal.
Yamal replied: “Also [apart from Fabian Ruiz being underrated].”
She added: “I’m a big fan of Merino from Arsenal.
Yamal said: “Okay, Fabian and Merino.”
Mikel Merino is a unique player
Merino fared well for Arsenal last season but fitness issues riddled his season and yet, Yamal and his mother’s comments show that he still commands respect as a player.
The Barcelona winger, in particular must appreciate the Premier League winner, considering he scored the winner in extra-time to seal Spain’s 2-1 win against Germany in the quarter-finals of Euro 2024.
Mikel Merino has officially made his Arsenal debut ❤️
— ESPN UK (@ESPNUK) October 1, 2024
A reminder that his last goal was a 119th minute winner for Spain vs. Germany during the Euros 😅 pic.twitter.com/BKTkDe4DJu
However, perhaps one reason Merino may not get the credit he deserves is because the former Real Sociedad man is a unique footballer.
Despite being a defensive-minded central midfielder, Arsenal’s number 23 thrives in goalscoring positions and especially stands out when played as a striker or in a false nine role.
