After returning from his injury earlier this month, Arsenal will be pleased to see Mikel Merino gaining some important match fitness whilst away with Spain.
Merino was called up alongside Arsenal teammate David Raya for games against Denmark and Serbia in the Nations League.
Raya started both games whereas Merino was on the bench for the first, playing 28 minutes against Denmark.
And then Luis de la Fuente decided to start the Arsenal midfielder against Serbia, minutes he certainly made the most of.
Merino played in an attacking midfield role ahead of Martin Zubimendi and Fabian Ruiz – a position he may occupy at the Emirates Stadium whilst covering for Martin Odegaard.
Although Kai Havertz has dropped into the number 10 role on occasion to deputise for his injured captain, the vacancy now seems perfect for the former Real Sociedad star.
Mikel Merino looked fit and sharp as he ‘deserved’ to score for Spain
That being said, Spain’s media shared some interesting reviews of Merino’s 65 minutes against Serbia, pointing out how active the Arsenal man was in front of goal.
Merino is famed for his duel winning and clever passes, but it was his goal threat that really caught the eye for his country on this occasion, which saw him earn his 29th cap.
READ MORE: Spanish media deliver their David Raya verdict after his display vs Serbia
Handing Merino a 7/10 rating, Sport wrote: “His attacks from behind repeatedly caught the Balkan defence off guard.
“He deserved to be rewarded with a goal that he could have scored with a header that was blocked by the post. In the second half he was unable to maintain his rhythm.”
Goal also gave the Arsenal man a 7/10 and mentioned that Merino looked in good shape despite just returning from injury.
“A shot that hit the post stifled his goal-scoring efforts. Despite being back from injury, he looked active. He was replaced by Pedri in the second half.”
In addition, Mundo Deportivo also mentioned Merino’s goal-scoring efforts, saying he was very influential in that regard.
They wrote: “In addition to being strong in midfield, doing his bit to ensure that the game went the way Spain wanted, he came very close to scoring on two occasions.”
Mikel Merino ready to deputise for Martin Odegaard at Arsenal
As mentioned, a fully fit Merino will be very welcome in north London right now whilst Mikel Arteta is seeking someone to deputise for Odegaard.
Erling Haaland found out how difficult it is to replace Odegaard for Norway over the break, failing to live up to his high standards as a captain.
And whilst Ethan Nwaneri seems well equipped to start for Arsenal already, Arteta seemingly wants to take things easy with the youngster.
Therefore, a duel-monster like Merino could be perfectly poised to start away at Bournemouth on Saturday, another big test against an impressive Andoni Iraola side.
And Merino will be relishing the opportunity to kickstart his Arsenal career properly.
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