‘Exceptional’ Arsenal star lauded by international manager after another stunning display

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Mikel Arteta will be paying close attention to what his players are doing on international duty.

As many as 14 Arsenal players are on international duty, which is enough to make Arteta nervous regarding the fitness of his squad.

Arsenal’s injury list this season has been a struggle for the manager to contend with, making the international break a rather stressful time for those back at Colney.

Already, Riccardo Calafiori has suffered an injury scare however, it’s not all been doom and gloom for the Gunners, as several players have shone for their nations.

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Luis de la Fuente praises Mikel Merino

One player who has had a positive time on duty in March is Mikel Merino, who is going from strength to strength for club and country.

Arsenal fans were mesmerised by Merino’s performance for Spain against the Netherlands, as the midfielder scored to net a late equaliser for his nation.

Fans weren’t the only ones impressed by the summer signing, as Spanish media also lauded Merino after the first leg against the Netherlands.

Spain eventually won the tie on penalties after the second leg finished 3-3, a game that the Arsenal star played a part in once more.

Merino scored a penalty in the shoot-out after coming on as a substitute, with his input earning high praise once more.

After the game, Spain manager Luis de la Fuente singled out Merino, alongside Mikel Oyarzabal, calling the duo ‘exceptional’.

“[They are] great football players. Exceptional football talent. Team spirit, maturity, and calmness, they bring a lot on the pitch because of their football talent, which is unquestionable.”

“Two very versatile players who can play different positions, always with very reliable performances. Besides, off the pitch, because they give that calmness temperance, that experience that vision, that peace of mind.”

De La Fuente went on to insist that while the duo impressed, it wasn’t anything out of the ordinary for the pair of consistent talents.

“So, they always add something and come on, it’s not a whim, quite the opposite.

“They are football players who earn it every day at their clubs and of course, when they come with us, their performances are absolutely brilliant.”

How did Mikel Merino perform against the Netherlands?

While Merino didn’t start for Spain, the Arsenal ace’s impact was as good as any, scoring a decisive penalty and being a force to be reckoned with when coming on.

As seen above, the Spaniard offered a creative presence as well as being tidy with his passing, repaying the praise of De La Fuente regarding his reliability.

Arteta will be pleased that Merino not only enjoyed a successful break with the national team but will also return fully fit and ready to contribute for the Gunners.