Mikel Arteta has been praised during the international break by Spain’s national media.
It’s a welcome change in narrative for Arteta, who was heavily criticised after Arsenal’s 1-0 defeat to Liverpool before the international break.
The Arsenal manager was questioned about how he set his team up against Liverpool, most notably about the decision to start Mikel Merino ahead of Eberechi Eze.
Jamie Carragher had a lot to say about Arteta and his conservative approach at Anfield, but Merino’s magic on international duty paints a different picture.
- READ MORE: Arsenal fans are all saying the same thing about Mikel Arteta after what Mikel Merino just did
Spanish media say Mikel Arteta deserves credit for Mikel Merino’s form
For a figure labelled a defensive presence by English media, Merino has done very well for himself over the September international break.
The Spaniard has scored four goals in two games for Spain, including a hat-trick against Turkey during their 6-0 win.
Manager Luis de la Fuente described Merino as ‘world-class’ after his three-goal thriller, but it’s not only the player himself who is being praised after earning the matchball.
Spanish outlet Okdiario took the opportunity to shine a light on Arteta, suggesting that Spain are in debt to the Arsenal manager thanks to what he’s done to Merino.
“One day, Spain will have to publicly thank Mikel Arteta for the transformation he has brought about with Mikel Merino at Arsenal,” journalist Ivan Martin wrote.
Martin applauded Arteta for turning the midfielder into a ‘completely renewed player’ by unleashing him as a striker last season.
Merino’s ‘goal-scoring instinct’ is something few knew about before Arteta made the eyebrow-raising decision to play the 29-year-old up front for the first time.
- READ MORE: Jurrien Timber says what everyone is thinking about Mikel Merino after his hat-trick for Spain
Merino has left Paul Merson red-faced
In February, when Arsenal were heading towards a goalless draw against Leicester City at the King Power Stadium, Arteta called upon Merino to make the difference.
The Spaniard was introduced as a striker and won the game with two goals, responding to his doubters in the best way possible.
Paul Merson was one who doubted Merino as a forward, stating his opinion that the midfielder is ‘not a goalscorer’.
“I don’t like the idea of Mikel Merino playing up front. I just don’t see it working. Playing Merino, he’s not a Havertz. He’s not a goalscorer.”
Since then, Merino has proved that, if anything, he is a goalscorer, whether that be when playing as a centre-forward or getting himself into those positions.
It’s been a revelation from Merino, which the player deserves credit for, as does Arteta, whose work in North London isn’t going unnoticed in the Spanish national team.
Receive a digest of our best Arsenal content each week direct to your mailbox
