Spanish media react to Mikel Merino’s brace against Croatia

Incredibly, Mikel Merino has done it again for Spain.

The Arsenal midfielder came on at half-time against Croatia with Spain trailing 1-0, before scoring a brace and guiding his team to a 2-1 victory. That is now a clean sweep of all four Nations League matches for the world champions.

Merino’s first goal was a composed, clinical left-footed finish into the bottom corner, but it’s the winning goal that has people raving. Latching onto a lofted pass into the box from his Arsenal teammate Martin Zubimendi, Merino produced a wonderful touch and swivel before firing it into the back of the net. Dare we say, it was Robin van Persie-esque.

His heroics for his country are becoming a habit, and the Spanish media are running out of superlatives for the Premier League winner.

Spanish media are in awe of Mikel Merino

AS were first to reach for the top shelf, handing Merino a 9/10 rating. “Merino, always Merino,” they open with. “Eight goals as a starter… and seven as a substitute. Among them, the last five. What can be said about Mikel that hasn’t already been said? It’s not a gift, it’s a virtue.”

ElDesmarque were equally glowing in their praise for Arsenal’s clutch Spaniard, handing him another 9/10. “He came on at halftime with the score at 1-0. He left the game with two goals and a 1-2 scoreline. The second, in the 89th minute, with a spectacular control and left-footed shot. Superb.”

Okdiario noted that Merino has now made a habit of rescuing Spain in the most crucial moments. Two World Cup goals off the bench — against Portugal in the 91st minute and Belgium in the 88th — a goal against Czech Republic at the weekend, and now two in Split when Spain needed them most. “Merino’s contributions are becoming a habit,” they wrote, awarding him 9/10.

Zona Mixta went further still, naming him man of the match. “He came on to be undetectable by the Croatians. The second goal will be remembered for many years.”

As far as Arsenal are concerned, Mikel Arteta must be considering handing Merino the starting berth up front in the absence of Kai Havertz. There is simply no ignoring how great a threat he is in the box.

Viktor Gyokeres has had a great international break in his own right, scoring record-breaking goals for Sweden. That is really encouraging and will hopefully help restore some confidence. But when you compare the stats between Gyokeres and Merino when playing as a striker for Arsenal, surely the Spaniard has the edge against Leeds.