Newcastle manger Rafa Benitez has compared Mikel Merino to former Liverpool star Xabi Alonso.
The 21-year-old Merino joined the Magpies on a season long loan from Borussia Dortmund this summer with the Tyneside club having an option to sign him permanently at the end of the season.
Merino drew praised for his performances this weekend as he helped his club secure a convincing 3-0 victory over West Ham.
Benitez has been tracking the Spanish youngster for some time and believes that he has what it takes to succeed in England.
Benitez had also worked well with Xabi Alonso, having brought him to England while managing Liverpool in 2004/5 and he believes that the two players share a lot in common.
He said, “There are similarities. I will tell you, though it maybe sounds stupid, that they are both Basque – from the Basque country.
“They are similar because of the position they are in and the way they read the game. Alonso’s long passing was better but Merino is more mobile and more dynamic.”
