Mikel Merino was the star of the show for Spain once again on Tuesday, scoring two and winning a penalty as his team guaranteed at least a World Cup play-off spot.
Mikel Merino’s club performances have been the subject of much debate this season, but there’s certainly no doubt that he’s been excelling for Spain.
That was the case again on Tuesday night, as Spain hosted Bulgaria with the chance to guarantee a top-two group finish, which would mean a World Cup qualification play-off at the very least.
Merino gave his side the lead in the 35th minute, heading into the corner after receiving a headed pass from Robin Le Normand. Reporting on the goal, the Spain social media accounts asked “who else could it be?”
In the 57th minute, Merino made it 2-0 with another header, this time powering home a cross coming in from the left-hand side.
Merino played a minor role in the build up to Spain’s third, an own goal by Atanas Chernev. But his part in Spain’s fourth was far more significant, as he won a penalty in second-half injury time.
There were no doubts about the decision, with Merino touching the ball away from the defender before having his leg swiped from underneath him. Mikel Oyarzabal stepped up to convert for 4-0.
Arsenal’s Martin Zubimendi also featured in the clash, playing 63 minutes and hardly putting a foot wrong. But Merino was understandably the player receiving the plaudits after the game.
“Mikel is a very complete player who can naturally adapt to many positions,” Spain boss Luis de la Fuente said afterwards. “He is a fantastic footballer who interprets the game in an exceptional way.”
Arsenal fans will be hoping the 29-year-old returns to his club in the same kind of form.