Arsenal midfielder Mikel Merino scored a hat trick as Spain recorded a 6-0 win over Turkey on Sunday evening, with La Roja sending out a strong message to their rivals for the 2026 World Cup.
Pedri struck a brace, while Ferran Torres was also on the scoresheet, as Luis de la Fuente's side demolished Turkey to make it two wins from their opening two matches in Group E.
Mundo Deportivo called Merino a "killer", with the publication noting his excellent form for the national side.
El Desmarque, meanwhile, branded the performance 'one of the best matches of his career', handing him a 10/10 rating due to the manner of his overall display.
The publication also noted his 'historic hat trick', as Merino scored the first treble of his international career.
SPORT also unsurprisingly handed the 29-year-old a 10/10 rating, with Pedri the only other La Roja player to be given maximum marks by that particular website.
Spain's Mikel Merino on March 20, 2025
Spanish media hail "killer" Merino after Spain treble
Merino has now found the back of the net on six occasions in his last six matches for Spain, with the central midfielder on an incredible run of form for the national side.
Indeed, he scored in the three-goal success over Bulgaria on September 4 before striking a treble against Turkey, while he also netted against Netherlands and France in the Nations League earlier this year.
Goalscorers from midfield are invaluable, and his most important effort for the national team came during Euro 2024, when he struck a late winner against Germany in the quarter-finals.
Merino will now be hoping to have the chance to continue his strong form at club level, as Arsenal return to Premier League action at home to Nottingham Forest on Saturday afternoon.
Spain's Mikel Merino, Mikel Oyarzabal, Alex Remiro, Robin Le Normand and Martin Zubimendi celebrate on July 14, 2024
Merino's Turkey treble: What do the statistics say?
Merino was simply outstanding against Turkey, with his three goals not telling the whole story.
Indeed, according to Sofascore, he had 58 touches, completed 38 of his 44 passes - two of which were key passes - in addition to creating a big chance for his team.
Merino actually scored with all three of his attempts on target, while he made one clearance, blocked two shots, made three tackles and also one interception, showing his value at both ends of the field.
De la Fuente will find it incredibly difficult to leave him out of his starting side if he continues to perform to that level, but the competition for spots in the middle of the Spain midfield is incredible.
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