Arsenal star Mikel Merino came off the bench for Spain and scored a stoppage-time equaliser as Luis de la Fuente’s side drew 2-2 against the Netherlands in the Nations League.
Merino has been used as a makeshift striker by Mikel Arteta in recent weeks, scoring four goals in seven games in this position.
His good goal-scoring form continued for his nation on Thursday night, as he tapped home to give Spain a lifeline in their Nations League quarter-final clash ahead of the second-leg in Valencia on Sunday.
The Euro 2024 winners were jubilant at full-time, and Merino has been earning plaudits for his vital contribution.
Spanish media praise Arsenal star Mikel Merino
Certainly not Spain’s best display in the last 12 months, but they emerged from Rotterdam with the tie against Die Oranje still in tact.
De la Fuente started a midfield trio consisting of Martin Zubimendi, Fabian Ruiz and Pedri, while Alvaro Morata was deployed up front, meaning there was no space in the initial eleven for Arsenal’s new number nine.
Nico Williams gave Spain the lead, before goals from Cody Gakpo and Tijani Reijnders put the Dutch in front.
With six minutes left to play, Merino was introduced in place of Ruiz.
The former Real Sociedad man pounced on Bart Verbruggen’s fumbling of a Williams shot, slotting home with one of the final kicks of the game.
After the game, Spain’s media outlets were unsurprisingly delighted with Merino’s efforts.
Mundo Deportivo described his performance as ‘prompt’, writing: “He touched few balls beyond the one that helped him score the 2-2, but his positioning as a number 9 was key to Spain taking a good result for the return leg.”
Meanwhile, AS’ headline from the game read, ‘Merino is in a tizzy’, and they added on his late strike: “Merino’s 93rd-minute goal, having come on in the 84th, a talisman in Rotterdam as he was in the European Championship against Germany, deserved such a celebration. More emotions awaited at Mestalla on Sunday.”
Arsenal fans will be hoping that their centre-forward can continue this form after the international break, as a crucial Champions League quarter-final tie against Real Madrid awaits.
What Spain’s media outlets said about Arsenal’s transfer targets
Zubimendi is expected to sign for Arsenal for £51 million in the summer, while Arteta is a huge fan of Williams, and the Gunners could make a move for the wide man.
Both started against Holland, with Williams opening the scoring with a well-executed finish inside the first ten minutes.
De la Fuente granted the pair of Arsenal targets 90 minutes each, and both players’ displays were well received by Spanish media.
Mundo Deportivo wrote on Zubimendi: “Tactical. Beyond not having a perfect match, the Basque midfielder did what he could to defuse the Dutch midfield and was positioned to stop the home side’s dangerous counterattacks.”
Meanwhile, the outlet added on Williams: “He scored the 0-1 with a truly experienced striker’s play, and on the left flank, he made a few incursions but didn’t create much danger. He lacked a better understanding with Morata and Fabián, his partners on the left flank during the first half, and in the second half, he was the most active, indirectly creating the 2-2 draw.”
Arteta no doubt would have had his eyes peeled on his home nation’s showing, closely observing his two transfer target compatriots.
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