Mikel Merino isn’t even a starter for Arsenal, but he’s still one of the best midfielders in the Premier League. And in case you forgot about that, just watch how badly he cooked Croatia with this go-ahead goal for Spain in the Nations League in the 89th minute.
I mean, that touch and finish with the left foot into the near post of the goal, smacking the postage stamp, is exactly what football is all about. And it’s exactly what Merino is all about.
The guy is maybe the most clutch goal-scoring midfield hero for both Spain and Arsenal, to the point where he can play the false nine or desperation striker role better than actual strikers in this league (here’s to you, Big Dominic Solanke).
Merino’s finish here is a lovely message to Carlos Baleba, Sandro Tonali, and the rest of the overhyped young midfielders in the Premier League. You guys aren’t even on Mikel’s level, and he’s just the fourth center midfielder in the Arsenal squad now that they signed Bruno Guimaraes this summer.
As Arsenal get ready for a huge game against upstarts Leeds United on Saturday to mark the Premier League’s return after the prolonged Fall international break, it’s definitely great to see Merino revving up into form.
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THE TRIVELA EFFECT
Purveyor of footy since the 90s. Favor the Premier League and old school Serie A with a touch of Bundesliga. More than a touch. Professional writer for 20 years, covering every sport but now focused on the Premier League and world football. You won’t be able to guess my favorite team.