Spain under-21 took their Italian counterparts to the cleaners on Friday, with 3 unreplied goals from Mikel Merino, Borja Mayoral and Jorge Mere ensuring the young Spaniards mirrored what their senior sides would later play out during Sunday’s World Cup qualifiers.
In a man-of-match performance, Newcastle’s summer arrival Merino highlighted exactly why manager Rafa Benitez brought him to the Saint James’ Park on a season-long loan from Borussia Dortmund.
The 21-year-old left-back opened the scoring with a brilliant piece of strike in the first half, before playing a lovely ball through to Borja Mayoral for the second just right before the break.
Given that such performance is coming after Graeme Souness’ criticism of the former Osasuna youngster, there wasn’t a better way for Merino to have replied his critics.
While he clearly underwhelmed in the loss to Huddersfield, his almost faultless display against West Ham to help the Magpies to their first victory of the league campaign, and the brilliance against the Italians definitely would have helped Benitez’s 5th signing of the summer regain his confidence.
A couple of Spanish publications showered Merino with accolades after the game, and Twitter wouldn’t let such performance go without the deserved plaudits and praises.
Below are some of the best reactions –
Mikel Merino turns it on for Spain – One beautiful goal and an assist – Video #nufc https://t.co/XSLcsRVKxz
— The Mag (@NUFCTheMag) September 2, 2017
He comes from Spain and He’s fucking class, in fact He’s better than Fabregas that’s Merino #NUFC
— Ashley Hudson (@AshHud_) September 2, 2017
Take a bow @mikelmerino1 #NUFC ? pic.twitter.com/mhYtozJTCD
— Newcastle Fans TV (@NewcastleFansTV) September 2, 2017
When your club gave Mikel Merino away for peanuts pic.twitter.com/CMmz7ihoTa
— Luca Gierl (@LucaGierl) September 1, 2017
Fucking love Mikel Merino me like just watched his goal again this morning what have we bought man! #NUFC
— Lewburns1 (@Lewburns1) September 2, 2017
Isco is gonna be the next mikel merino #Nufc #SpaIta
— #AshleyOut (@toonbaldes) September 2, 2017
This Mikel Merino has the potential to be a great midfielder hope he stays at #NUFC beyond his loan deal what a player he is.
— Steven Johnson ●○●○ (@GeordieLad10) September 2, 2017
Mikel Merino’s goal vs. Italy: pic.twitter.com/R4a0cEzy2M
— John (@jbxnufc) September 1, 2017
Goool! Mikel Merino puts Spain ahead! Delightful nutmeg in the box before opening up his body and rolling it in. Spain U21 1 – 0 Italy U21.
— AS English (@English_AS) September 1, 2017
