Merida - I want to be just like Fabregas

By Adam Clark

Arsenal Under-18s midfielder Fran Merida says he aims to be just like the Club’s current Spanish sensation Cesc Fabregas.

The 16-year-old arrived from Barcelona in the summer just as Fabregas did in September 2003 and Merida hopes he can emulate his compatriot’s rapid rise to fame.

The midfielder has already caught the eye with some instrumental displays for both the Under-18s and the Reserves and puts his form down to studying Fabregas’ every move.

“Cesc for me is like my mirror — he’s the player I want to be,” Merida told Arsenal.com.

“When I go to watch the first team I’m always watching him, the way he plays and the way he passes the ball. I am only 16-years-old and to watch him and learn from him is so important. I’m going to keep working hard and, of course, one day I would love to play alongside him.”

Merida could make his first appearance at Emirates Stadium tonight as the Under-18s take on Cardiff City for a place in the FA Youth Cup Semi-Finals. It’s a big step up from Barnet’s Underhill Stadium where the previous rounds have been played and the prospect of walking out at Arsenal’s new home excites the young Spaniard.

“For us it’s amazing,” said Merida. “It’s the biggest stadium many of us have played in. I didn’t know the FA Youth Cup was so important when I came here but now here I am possibly about to play a game at Emirates Stadium.

“I don’t think it’s sunk in yet but it’s going to be a special day and hopefully there will be a lot of people there to cheer us on. I’d like the whole stadium to be full but I think we all just want to play in front as many people as possible.

“I think we’ve had very difficult games so far but we’ve done very well to overcome the challenges and that’s why we are here.

“I’m happy with how my season is going personally and I’m really enjoying living in England. Now I’d love to go and win this competition."