Merino the unlikely hero again - as Spain wait for Lamine Yamal show

Mikel Merino emerged as Spain's unexpected match-winner in their quarter-final victory, a performance that left coach Luis de la Fuente praising his versatility and importance to the team's philosophy. "He has many qualities. He is a player that across the whole World Cup could have played in whatever team and done great," de la Fuente stated. "For us he is the standard of this idea, of this model. It is a pleasure to have him."

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Mikel is incredible. He has many qualities. He is a player that across the whole World Cup could have played in whatever team and done great. For us he is the standard of this idea, of this model. It is a pleasure to have him, and others but especially him. We know that without fail he is always there.

Merino himself admitted that his presence at the World Cup was once unthinkable due to fitness concerns. "The fact of being here a few months ago was unthinkable," he said after the Portugal win. "Now I am, as I said before, at the highest point, enjoying one of the happiest moments of my career." He reflected on the difficult moments and the support he received, which helped him believe he could overcome his challenges.

His knack for crucial goals is familiar to Arsenal fans, where the 30-year-old has been deployed as a striker due to his height, despite traditionally being a midfielder. He famously scored twice in that role against Leicester last February. Former England striker Wayne Rooney noted on Match of the Day that Merino "arrives at the right time, at the right moment in big games."

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The fact of being here a few months ago was unthinkable. Now I am, as I said before, at the highest point, enjoying one of the happiest moments of my career. Now I remember all those bad moments, all the people who have supported me, all the people who have pushed me when even I sometimes found it difficult to believe I could be here.

De la Fuente further highlighted Merino's intelligence, stating, "He can be the best striker and the best midfielder because of his understanding of the game. He interprets the game perfectly. He is committed, he is generous, he is happy to do the work."

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Merino is just one of those players who arrives at the right time, at the right moment in big games.

This tournament has seen established stars like Lionel Messi and Kylian Mbappe deliver, but Spain's teenage sensation Lamine Yamal has yet to fully capture the spotlight as he did in Euro 2024. Despite scoring one goal in six games, Yamal has sometimes made poor decisions, opting for shots over passes. However, his dribbling and pace are vital, creating space for teammates like Merino. As Rooney observed, even Messi makes mistakes, and Yamal, still finding his rhythm after an injury, effectively draws defenders, opening opportunities for others.

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He can be the best striker and the best midfielder because of his understanding of the game. He interprets the game perfectly. He is committed, he is generous, he is happy to do the work.