Mikel Merino has been nominated for UEFA’s Player of the Round award after his hat-trick for Spain away to Turkey.
UEFA have named the nominees for their Player of the Round award after the latest set of World Cup qualifiers, with Mikel Merino’s performance against Turkey earning him a spot on the list.
Merino is joined by Moise Kean of Italy (vs Israel), Erling Haaland of Norway (vs Moldova), and Kevin de Bruyne of Belgium (vs Kazakhstan). The voting is currently open here.
Merino already had one goal in the September international break following his appearance against Bulgaria last Thursday, but the Arsenal midfielder boosted his numbers with a hat-trick away to Turkey.
After Pedri gave Spain a 1-0 lead, Merino hammered home their advantage with a couple of first-half finishes. The 29-year-old first made it 2-0 with a well-placed left-footed finish into the corner, then 3-0 with a low driven finish with his right foot.
Ferran Torres made it 4-0 early in the second half, then Merino scored his best goal of the bunch, curling into the top corner from 25 yards out. With Pedri scoring again just after the hour mark, the game finished 6-0.
Speaking afterwards, Spain boss Luis de la Fuente praised Merino’s intelligence and footballing ability.
“We have some fantastic players, and he is another example of a footballer who does many things well, who is a genius, a world-class player, and sometimes does not receive the recognition he deserves in Spain,” de la Fuente said.
“He is one of the best in the world in his position. What we have are good people, who are humble and want to continue growing.”
Merino has now scored 13 goals for club and country since his interim spell as Arsenal’s centre-forward began on February 15th. Another goal against Nottingham Forest this weekend would be very welcome.