SPLIT, CROATIA - OCTOBER 6: Mikel Merino of Spain celebrates his second goal during the UEFA Nations League 2026/27 group phase match between Croatia and Spain at Stadion Poljud on October 6, 2026 in Split, Croatia. (Photo by Grzegorz Wajda/Eurasia Sport Images/Getty Images)
SPLIT, CROATIA - OCTOBER 6: Mikel Merino of Spain celebrates his second goal during the UEFA Nations League 2026/27 group phase match between Croatia and Spain at Stadion Poljud on October 6, 2026 in Split, Croatia. (Photo by Grzegorz Wajda/Eurasia Sport Images/Getty Images)
Mikel Merino was Spain’s hero once again on Tuesday as he scored both goals in a 2-1 win over Croatia, but admits he is frustrated over how much he is playing.
Merino replaced Alex Baena at half-time in Split with Spain 1-0 down thanks to an early Ivan Perisic goal.
The Arsenal man scored twice, including an 88th minute winner, to make the difference again, having been crucial on Spain’s run to the World Cup over the summer.
The 30-year-old came off the bench to score in wins over Portugal and Belgium at the World Cup, but he still has to settle for a role as a substitute.
In fact, he came on to score in the win over Czechia as well, proving incredibly reliable from the bench.
The versatile midfielder and forward is delighted to make such important contributions, but admits his lack of game time is frustrating.
‘I’m very happy to be able to help the team, another game in which it was my turn to score from the bench,’ Merino told TVE.
‘I’ll go out there with the best possible attitude even while frustrated about not being able to play more… but this team is a family and that always shows.’
Spain's midfielder #6 Mikel Merino celebrates with teammates after scoring his team's second goal during the UEFA Nations League Group A3 football match between Croatia and Spain at the Poljud stadium in Split on October 6, 2026. (Photo by MARKO PERKOV / AFP via Getty Images)
Spain's midfielder #6 Mikel Merino celebrates with teammates after scoring his team's second goal during the UEFA Nations League Group A3 football match between Croatia and Spain at the Poljud stadium in Split on October 6, 2026. (Photo by MARKO PERKOV / AFP via Getty Images)
The Spaniard faces a similar situation at Arsenal, having appeared in all five Premier League fixtures so far this season but always as a substitute.
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He has started in the Champions League against Napoli and in the Carabao Cup against Ipswich, scoring in the win over the Tractor Boys.
Luis de la Fuente has always been hugely complimentary of Merino, even if he rarely makes his starting XI, and thinks he is underappreciated in Spain.
‘It’s an honour to coach a player like that,’ said the Spain manager.
‘He has made it absolutely clear why I would have carried him in my arms to the World Cup. In another country he would be more appreciated — I hope that changes.’
SPLIT, CROATIA - OCTOBER 06: Luis de la Fuente, Head Coach of Spain speaks to the media after the UEFA Nations League 2026/27 group phase match between Croatia and Spain at Stadion Poljud on October 06, 2026 in Split, Croatia. (Photo by Francesco Scaccianoce - UEFA/UEFA via Getty Images)
SPLIT, CROATIA - OCTOBER 06: Luis de la Fuente, Head Coach of Spain speaks to the media after the UEFA Nations League 2026/27 group phase match between Croatia and Spain at Stadion Poljud on October 06, 2026 in Split, Croatia. (Photo by Francesco Scaccianoce - UEFA/UEFA via Getty Images)
Last year after Merino scored a hat-trick for Spain against Turkey, De la Fuente described him as a’genius’ and ‘one of the best in the world’.
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‘We have fantastic players, and he is another example of a footballer who does many things well,’ said De la Fuente of Merino.
‘He’s a genius and a world-class player who sometimes doesn’t get the recognition in Spain.
‘But he’s one of the best in the world in his position. What we have are good people, who are humble and want to continue growing.’
LONDON, ENGLAND - OCTOBER 6: Thomas Tuchel, Manager / Head Coach of England reacts during the UEFA Nations League 2026/27 group phase match between England and Czechia at Wembley Stadium on October 6, 2026 in London, England. (Photo by Marc Atkins/Getty Images)
LONDON, ENGLAND - OCTOBER 6: Thomas Tuchel, Manager / Head Coach of England reacts during the UEFA Nations League 2026/27 group phase match between England and Czechia at Wembley Stadium on October 6, 2026 in London, England. (Photo by Marc Atkins/Getty Images)