Mikel Merino did not have the easiest of evenings in Spain’s final World Cup qualifying match, and the Spanish media’s review does not make for good reading from an Arsenal perspective.
Generally, Merino has been on fire for Spain during 2025, but it ended on a sour note for the 29-year-old, who was taken off at half-time.
The Arsenal star is more than likely to be part of Spain’s squad, which will travel to North America next summer for the World Cup, although his latest display was not ideal.
Following La Roja’s 2-2 draw with Turkey to book their spot at the 2026 World Cup, the local media have given Merino’s display in Seville a rather damning assessment.
Mikel Merino’s performance against Turkey is slammed by the Spanish media
Arsenal midfielder Mikel Merino has seen his performance against Turkey slammed by the Spanish media.
The Arsenal star was subbed off by Luis de la Fuente during the half-time interval as he struggled to make an impact on the team.
The European champions found themselves level during the break, which forced Spain into making an attacking change.
Fortunately, Spain had all but qualified for the World Cup, but were rather underwhelming in Seville, with Merino producing a particularly disappointing display.
| Stat | Total |
| Minutes | 45 |
| Touches | 34 |
| Accurate passes | 22/27 (81%) |
| Duels (Won) | 6 (2) |
| Possession lost | 8 |
After the match, the media did not hold back in their assessments of Merino, and Marca were less than impressed: “He barely made an impact on the game. He was less involved than usual in the final third, both in the attacking third and in the passing triangles.
“He wasn’t inaccurate when he did get involved, but he had very little impact in the 45 minutes he played. He was the first player Luis de la Fuente substituted at half-time.”
Meanwhile, Mundo Deportivo also slammed his display: “He didn’t have his best performance with the national team. He was somewhat imprecise and never quite found his place in the game.”
Finally, El Desmarque claimed: “Very focused on attack, perhaps neglecting his defensive duties too much, though it wasn’t a decisive factor. De la Fuente gave him a rest at halftime.”
Mikel Arteta facing Kai Havertz and Viktor Gyokeres issue against Tottenham
Mikel Arteta is running out of time to get his attacking players back to face Tottenham, with both Kai Havertz and Viktor Gyokeres suffering setbacks.
Havertz is out until the New Year due to a relapse of his knee injury; meanwhile, Viktor Gyokeres remains a doubt for the North London derby.
Therefore, with the pair still out, and Gabriel Jesus only just back in training, Merino could be the man to lead the line.
Merino has a good record in London derbies, but having him in the number nine role against Thomas Frank’s Spurs is not ideal.
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