Luis de la Fuente still has one problem with Mikel Merino even after Arsenal star’s Spain hat-trick

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Mikel Merino rounded off his time on September international duty in style with a hat-trick in Spain’s 6-0 win against Turkey. 

In their second World Cup Qualifying match of the September international break, the Arsenal star scored half of his country’s goals on the night. 

Mikel Arteta did his country a huge favour by unleashing Merino’s goalscoring prowess, with the midfielder ending his time on duty with four goals in two games. 

Against Turkey, the 29-year-old made no mistake with any of his three finishes, making himself the man of the moment in Konya. 

Luis de la Fuente reacts to Mikel Merino’s hat-trick for Spain

Spain manager Luis de la Fuente is relishing this goalscoring phenomenon that is Merino, who has scored 15 goals since the turn of the year. 

The numbers are quite impeccable for a player who is a central midfielder by trade, but still, his international manager has one complaint.

Speaking to the media after Spain’s 6-0 win, De La Fuente described Merino as ‘world-class’, but admitted the Arsenal star doesn’t get the recognition he deserves.

“We have fantastic players, and he’s another example of a footballer who does many things well, who’s a genius, a world-class player, and who sometimes doesn’t get the recognition in Spain.

“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.”

It was huge praise for Merino to receive from De La Fuente, who will surely be running out of ways to describe the midfielder after his showing over the September break. 

Merino’s match statistics from Spain’s 6-0 win over Turkey

Merino wasn’t the only Arsenal player involved in Spain’s heavy win, as Martin Zubimendi also featured, starting ahead of Rodri once again.

Rodri thinks Zubimendi can be one of the best, but on Sunday night, it was all about Merino. 

Aside from scoring three goals, the Spaniard put in a shift in midfield, contributing defensively as well as showing his playmaking side, creating two chances.

Arteta will be more eager than ever to get Merino back safely to Colney, with the 29-year-old clearly having a thing or two to show his teammates.