In order to play for Arsenal, you must be a special talent, according to Spanish midfielder Fran Mérida – who also enthuses that it’s an ‘honour’ to be with the Gunners.
Speaking to Arsenal TV Online yesterday, the 18-year-old was asked for his thoughts on extending his stay in North London, after penning a new deal last season.
“It gives you confidence when you know you have support from Arsenal. It’s an honour to be here.”
“The training ground is unbelievable, and the condition of the training is amazing. We know we are all special players, because we’re in a special club.”
This campaign has seen Fran push on into the first team setup, and brought three consecutive starts in the Carling Cup. Although the run was abruptly ended, forcing the former Barça starlet back into the Reserves, he still firmly believes this season has been a success.
“I always like to take the positives, and the experience with the first team in the Carling Cup was amazing. Even against Burnley, we couldn’t win, but personally, it was great for me.”
Wenger has previously suggested that Mérida must bulk up in order to combat his slight physique, and whilst there has been a significant improvement since last season, the left footed maestro knows he has work to do.
“If I had to look at my weaknesses, I will look at my physical game. I know that, and I’m working on it with Craig and Tony (Fitness coaches)”
The Catalan midfielder certainly comes across as intelligent, well spoken and full of desire. That, added to his football talent, means Fran is big prospect for the future.
Article By – J.Sanderson
nice to here from this young man whose loyalty and patience is a very good example to others in the club who are waiting their opportunity to make progress
I saw that interview. What baffles me is that Wenger reckons Fran is a late Developer, so why doesn’t he send him on loan. The boy needs first hand playing experience. There is so much you can learn from the in the reserves.
To me, Merida seems no less physically developed than Ramsay or Denilson, and in my view has a superior technique and passing ability… the kind of player who could fill the creative void than Cesc’s injury has put us in…
Hail the new Cesc!
Cheers J.S.
I’ve liked Fran from the beginning and always waited eagerly for his big breakthrough but it’s atill not happened.
And even now when I realize he’ll take a bit longer getting to the first team then some others, I’ve still no doubt he’ll make it at Arsenal.
He has a wand instead of a left foot and an eye for a pass to rival any. Physically yes, he needs some strength, but he is not far away now IMO
Ive heard a few times from wneger about fran being a late developer phyically
What does he need to develop physically? He seems strong enough, hes not too quick but you cant really improve pace too much, so Im guessing it must be his stamina… Is this the case?
Im really looking forward to seeing this guy in the 1st team
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keep it up son. we all know wenger is moulding you as a direct replacement for fabregas.
I still think he is the biggest talent in the reserve squad.
He’s going to have one hell of a career with an attitude like that. Hope we see him breaking into the first team soon.
I met Merida last weekend at a bar called Maze inn in north London. At the time I did notice that he looked quite skinny in his tight t-shirt. So in that aspect I can understand wenger’ concern regarding his physicality. But he does have good technique and creativity altough im still not convinced whether he is a CM or a wide player
I wish Fran a successful career at Arsenal
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U18’s drew 2-2
U16’s won 3-2
U18’S DREW WITH CHARLTON 2-2
U16’S WON 3-2
Isn’t it a bit odd that there is a reserve game the same day as a first team cup game? Normally the reserve ga,es are rearranged.
I thought Merida might have a chance being in the squad for Cardiff but it seems he was talking about the reserve game against Villa instead.
If you look at the reserves you have to feel hes one of the players most likely to make it. Good technically, knows what he wants, willing to work hard for it.
He’s what, 18 or 19? I think the current first team are the exceptions to the rule when it comes to breaking into a premiership first team ‘early’. Looking at Merida I wouldn’t be surprised to see him have a time like the player he reminds me a lot of – Iniesta. Hovering around the first team till about 23, which will, coincidentally, be around the time Cesc’s contract is up, in which he steps up as a world beater.
We talk about the current team as if that is the example set for the younger players of the future looking to break into the Arsenal first team squad, but the reality will be closer when Wilshere, Merida, Nordtveit, Vela, Coquelin etc. actually do so. The first team is suffering because too many players were promoted too early, and in bulk. The ‘next’ generation will happen in a more fluid style, 1 for 1 and not a team replacing a team, meaning they not only have more experienced players around them to learn from, but to cover for their youthful naivety etc. So when, presumably Rosicky bows out (properly), Merida will step in the first team squad as that left midfield player. When Arshavin’s contract is up, Wilshere will take over as the silky skilled right winger with the ball superglued to his feet etc.
So, to compare Merida to current first teamers who were promoted out of neccessity more so than readyness is a mistake. The fact that the likes of Denilson were promoted so early was a mistake in the first place and we clearly don’t want to make the same mistake again. Merida isn’t ready yet but he certainly has the attributes for a successful career as long as he stays patient and waits his time. (this could have a knock on effect considering we get so many youngsters by offering more immediate chances but now we are in the money, relatively speaking, that shouldn’t matter as much.)
J, with the injury to Cesc, how do U think Fran would do in the first team @ the moment??? Surely on the creative front he would do better than the current crop we have occupying that slot??? His ability to pick a through ball or spread play is sorta Cesc-esque :D (Something that he displayed with aplomb with THAT through ball to Mark Randall)
keep it up son. we all know wenger is moulding you as a direct replacement for fabregas.
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Great news to hear! It’s been a hard season this time round, but it’s great to know that the future of Arsenal is something truly worth waiting for.
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Yawn,another youngster completely overrated on young guns.The only young midfielder in the reserve squad that has a chance of making it at Arsenal is Coquelin who has been unlucky with injury.Merdia,Landsbury,E.Thomas need a good year out on loan before they can even be considered for a place on the bench.Randall and the like should just be sold for a few Hundred grand with 25% of future transfer going to us.
:D Anh ta that la tuyet voi
The Daddy – Are you retarded?
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The Daddy talks the most sense on this site,Fact!
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