Mikel Merino was the hero of the hour for Spain as they downed Portugal and advanced into the last eight of the World Cup at Portugal’s expense.
Merino’s late winner just five minutes after coming on as a sub just about summed him up.
The Arsenal man has come to the fore when it’s mattered so many times for Arsenal and Spain and his cool and calm finish low into the bottom corner was perfection in a moment of pressure.
The Spanish were not at their fluent best but with Portugal also suffering and Cristiano Ronaldo not doing anything up top, the game was always there to be won.
For the Spanish media, seeing Merino get the winner and send Ronaldo home was a big moment and they were full of praise for Arsenal’s versatile forward.
How big can a fit Mikel Merino be for Arsenal next season after his heroics for Spain?
Spain’s media reacts to Mikel Merino’s performance for Spain v Portugal
Given Merino was only on the field for around 12 minutes, there was never going to be huge amount said.
Nevertheless, he still got a 6/10 from Defensa Central, with the comment:
“He came on in the 85th minute for Olmo. He came in and ‘dunked’ in front of goal.”
ESPN Deportes also lauded Merino, giving him their ‘Hero of the Match’ in their final report.
“The hero could not be other than the scorer of the goal, who came to break a lock that Portugal had tightened during the 90 minutes.”
Spanish football site AS also praised Merino, referring to him as ‘Iniesta in disguise’ for his match winning moment.
Finally, there was some kind words from Spain manager, Luis de la Fuente.
“Mikel Merino never fails, he is a safe value, he gave us the European Championship and at the right times he is always there, he is a player who is one of the best in the world in his position.
“We can have players on the bench who would be starters in any other national team. I make decisions thinking about the best for the team, I’m never an advantage, I could be now but I’m not. Mikel gives an exceptional performance and is always where he needs to be.”
Clearly, Merino is an integral part of this Spain squad.
And just like he does with Arsenal, he has come off the bench to do his job with minimal fuss and in the end, change the entire game.
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