Following Spain’s quarter-final victory, manager Luis de la Fuente showered praise on Mikel Merino, describing him as an “incredible” asset to the squad.
“He possesses numerous qualities,” De la Fuente remarked. “He is the kind of player who could have excelled in any team throughout this World Cup. For us, he embodies our tactical model. It is a pleasure to have him in the squad because we know he is consistently reliable.”
Despite his current form, Merino admitted that reaching this stage of the tournament once seemed impossible due to fitness concerns.
“A few months ago, being here was unthinkable,” Merino reflected after the victory over Portugal. “Now, I am at the peak of my game and experiencing one of the happiest moments of my career. I remember the difficult times and am grateful to everyone who supported and pushed me when I struggled to believe I could make it here.”
Arsenal supporters will be well-acquainted with Merino’s ability to deliver in high-pressure situations. While primarily a midfielder, the 30-year-old’s physical presence has led Mikel Arteta to deploy him as a striker on occasion—most notably during a February match last year, where he scored twice as a substitute in a 2-0 win over Leicester.
Analyzing the performance on Match of the Day, former England striker Wayne Rooney noted that Merino is a player who consistently delivers at the right moment in the biggest matches.
De la Fuente echoed this sentiment, highlighting Merino’s tactical intelligence. “His understanding of the game is exceptional, allowing him to excel as both a striker and a midfielder. He is committed, generous, and always willing to put in the hard work.”
