The new midfielder is making quite an impression in the North East.
Newcastle United and manager Rafa Benitez have enjoyed strong form in recent weeks, and will look for their third consecutive victory tomorrow against Stoke City. One of the key reasons for this turnaround has been the play in midfield, with summer-signing Mikel Merino earning spectacular reviews from both fans and pundits.
The 21-year-old joined the Magpies on-loan in July, with an option to buy at the end of the deal. When considering the creative impact he has had over the past few games, it is almost guaranteed at this point that Merino will stay on Tyneside in the future.
Despite injuries throughout the line-up and captain Jonjo Shelvey’s suspension in the league opener against Tottenham, Merino has displayed incredible poise and fantastic skill on the ball.
The Spanish international has been accurate with his passing and is building a strong chemistry with his attacking team-mates. On the defensive end, Merino has been able to stifle the opposition and win possession regularly.
Renato Sanches’ Premier League debut with Swansea was essentially destroyed by the former Borussia Dortmund man last weekend, as Merino controlled the middle of the pitch.
Mikel Merino scored this fantastic goal for the Spain u21 team. #NUFC pic.twitter.com/aqaGY2yv1L
— Transfer Man (@_transferman) September 1, 2017
Newcastle fans are excited by the youngster’s potential, and recognise that he is a special player.
Merino was voted Player of the Month by supporters in a poll conducted by shirt sponsor FUN88 this week.
Congratulations to @mikelmerino1, who will be presented with his trophy by a lucky supporter ahead of Saturday's game against @stokecity pic.twitter.com/7pzFnZ5Pxf
— Newcastle United FC (@NUFC) September 14, 2017
The road ahead
The truly exciting element to Merino’s play at Newcastle is his age, as he still has so much room for improvement and overall progression.
The Pamplona native has taken to English football quite quickly after a season in the Bundesliga, and there is every reason to believe that his meteoric rise will continue.
The hype surrounding the midfielder is intense, and could become massive with another positive outing tomorrow versus the Potters.
Next: Newcastle United: Jamaal Lascelles' passion and leadership shine
Mikel Merino’s addition this past summer brought some questions from fans, but the player has certainly provided the answers in 2017-18 thus far.