I know some fans might come for me for speaking the truth, but honestly, Saka hasn’t been at his best lately—he’s been underperforming. He’s not our best player right now. There’s another Arsenal player who’s been carrying the team, yet he’s not getting the recognition he deserves from the fans,” Mikel Merino reveals the ONE standout Arsenal star – and it’s neither Ødegaard nor Martinelli.

BREAKING NEWS: Mikel Merino Snubs Saka, Ødegaard & Martinelli – Names the ONE Arsenal Star Deserving Premier League Player of the Year!

Real Sociedad midfielder Mikel Merino has stirred up massive debate in the football world after boldly claiming that Arsenal’s best player this season isn’t Bukayo Saka, Martin Ødegaard, or Gabriel Martinelli – but another underrated name who he believes deserves more recognition from fans and pundits alike.

In a statement that has already sent shockwaves across social media, Merino didn’t mince words. “I know some fans will come for my head for saying this, but I’m just being honest,” he said. “Saka is not Arsenal’s best player right now.

In fact, he’s been underwhelming lately and hasn’t performed to the level many expect from him. There’s another player who’s been consistently carrying the team, but he doesn’t get the credit he deserves.”
Though Merino didn’t name the player directly in the initial comments, insiders suggest he was referring to Declan Rice, Arsenal’s midfield powerhouse who has been instrumental in the Gunners’ title push this season.

Rice, who joined from West Ham in a record-breaking move, has seamlessly integrated into Mikel Arteta’s system, providing defensive solidity, progressive passing, and leadership on the pitch.

Merino went on to say that this particular player deserves not just recognition from the Arsenal fanbase, but also the Premier League Player of the Year award. “He’s been the heart of that team – breaking up play, driving forward, and showing the kind of consistency every top team needs. Without him, Arsenal wouldn’t be where they are right now,” he added.

Fans have reacted with mixed emotions. While some agree with Merino and have pointed to Rice’s stats and performances this season, others have come to Saka’s defense, arguing that he remains one of Arsenal’s most dangerous attackers.

Regardless of where one stands, Mikel Merino’s comments have reignited conversations about the value of underappreciated players and who truly deserves the accolades in what’s been a thrilling Premier League campaign. As Arsenal continue their fight for the title, all eyes will be on this unsung hero who may finally be getting the flowers he’s long deserved.

That’s a bold shout from Mikel Merino — and honestly, it’s hard to argue with his logic.

**Declan Rice** has been **Arsenal’s engine room** this season. While Saka grabs headlines with goals and flair, Ødegaard dictates tempo, and Martinelli terrorizes defenses, **it’s Rice who knits everything together** — the glue in both transition and defense.

### Why Merino Might Be Spot-On:

**1. Defensive Backbone:**
Rice’s ability to shield the backline, read the game, and intercept attacks has been crucial in Arsenal’s title challenge. He’s made the Gunners much harder to break down.

**2. Leadership Presence:**
Even as a new signing, Rice has shown real maturity and leadership — stepping up in big games and maintaining consistency week after week.

**3. Box-to-Box Dominance:**
He’s not just a destroyer. His drive forward, long-range passing, and even goalscoring have added another dimension to Arsenal’s midfield.

**4. The Stats Back It Up:**
Rice ranks among the Premier League’s top midfielders this season in duels won, interceptions, and passes into the final third. His influence is tangible.

### The Bigger Picture:
Merino’s comments reflect a wider truth in football: **fans often overvalue flash over function.** Saka and Ødegaard are elite talents, but without Rice’s control and balance, Arsenal might not even be in the title race right now.

It’s also interesting that a fellow midfielder like Merino sees and appreciates what Rice brings — things that casual viewers may miss.

### Fan Debate Heating Up:
This will surely split the Arsenal fanbase. Some will defend Saka or Ødegaard, but others might start to see Rice in a new light — as the **real MVP** of this campaign.

Do you think Declan Rice deserves the **Premier League Player of the Year** nod over the usual names like Haaland, Foden, or even Saka?