Arsenal international called “world class” after hat-trick | OneFootball

Spain boss Luis de la Fuente praised Arsenal’s Mikel Merino as “world class” after the midfielder scored a hat-trick against Turkey on Sunday.

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Mikel 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 on Sunday.

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.

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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.”

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The reference to Merino as a “genius” is an interesting one, as Mikel Arteta also recently credited the midfielder as being a very clever player. When asked by ESPN Brasil to name Arsenal’s best player from a tactical standpoint, Arteta picked Merino over his teammates.

Add to that the fact the Spaniard has now scored 13 goals for club and country since his interim spell as Arsenal’s centre-forward began on February 15th, and it’s little wonder his coaches rate him so highly at the moment.