Arsenal star center midfielder Mikel Merino isn’t even a starter for the Premier League champions, but everyone at the club understands his quality and how important he is.
It’s just a shame that so many around the world don’t sing his praises more, but with two brilliant goals for Spain in their UEFA Nations League winner over Croatia, including a world-class winner in the final minutes, Merino put himself back in the spotlight and made sure people had to talk about him.
The reigning World Cup winner has the full support of his Spanish manager Luis de la Fuente, who sung Merino’s praises again after the victory and even stated that people in Spain don’t appreciate the player enough either.
De la Fuente said, via Daily AFC, “It’s an honour to coach a player like that. He has clearly shown why I would have carried him to the World Cup in my arms. In another country he would be valued more. I hope that changes.”
It’s crazy that the Spanish manager is saying that, because you would think that people in that country would value one of their own players, especially since he was insanely good for Real Sociedad for years before moving to Arsenal.
But Arsenal fans definitely appreciate the most clutch goal-scoring midfielder in the world – well maybe besides Jude Bellingham – and an amazing controller of the play in the actual midfield when he does play. He gets overshadowed by the likes of Rodri and Declan Rice for club and country, but he’s a reference point himself, no doubt.
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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.