Arsenal midfielder Mikel Merino produced a tremendous performance during Spain’s 2-1 comeback win over Croatia in the Nations League on Tuesday night.
Croatia suffered an embarrassing 7-0 loss to England at home recently, but they produced a significantly better showing against the World champions yesterday.
They took an early 17th-minute lead through Ivan Perisic. Croatia held onto the advantage until the 61st minute when Merino scored for Spain. He came off the bench at the interval.
Perisic was sent off in the 79th minute. This increased the pressure and paved the way for Spain’s win.
Martin Zubimendi found Merino in the box with a lovely pass. The 30-year-old controlled the ball with a lovely bit of skill before finding the back of the net with a fine strike.
Merino has become a clutch player for Spain with his goalscoring heroics. He helped preserve their 42-match unbeaten streak with a comeback win over Croatia on the road.
The Spanish media were undoubtedly impressed. Sport (page 4) gave him a 9/10 rating and described him as the ‘game-changer’ after his two goals in a ‘stellar’ performance.
They wrote: “Game-changer. His introduction was key. Two goals to win the match and a stellar performance.”
Meanwhile, Mundo Deportivo (page 4) said that he is proving a luxury asset coming off the bench.
The outlet added: “Opportunistic – He once again proved to be a luxury asset when coming off the bench. He scored two spectacular goals to turn the match around. His love affair with big moments continues.”
Merino has been a phenomenal contributor towards La Roja’s recent success. He was tremendous as a substitute at the World Cup, scoring winning goals against Portugal and Belgium.
He has continued to impress off the bench during the Nations League group stage. Merino has made four goal contributions as a second-half substitute for Luis De La Fuente’s side.
The £31.6 million signing has been in superb scoring form, with three goals in less than 90 minutes for Spain, and he has certainly given manager Mikel Arteta a selection headache.
Kai Havertz sustained a hamstring injury with Germany last month, and he looks doubtful to start for the Gunners during Saturday’s early Premier League kick-off against Leeds United at home.
Viktor Gyokeres would be the natural replacement. He scored in every Nations League match for Sweden during the break and appears in splendid touch ahead of his return to club duty.
However, Merino has likewise stepped up for Spain with three crucial goals and an assist. He has had good success as a makeshift striker and could be another option for Arteta upfront.
Gyokeres is likely to start, considering he notched up three goals against Leeds last term. However, the Swede needs to make it count, as Merino could be utilised off the bench if he struggles.
Stats from Transfermarkt.com & Sofascore.com