2017-18 Newcastle United player review: Mikel Merino

The midfielder impressed early on for Newcastle United, but injuries and inconsistency hurt him down the stretch.

Mikel Merino was one of the bright spots early into last season. Initially acquired on a loan to buy deal, the midfielder was great filling in for a suspended Jonjo Shelvey and earned a permanent move. But, his season didn’t go as planned after his hot start. Now, he is rumored to be on his way out.

2017-18 stats: 24 appearances, one goal, one assist, 34 passes per match

Contract runs until: June 2022

Durim Halimi

Mikel Merino has the talent to start in midfield for Newcastle but lacks the confidence. In order to play in the Premier League, a midfielder must have confidence. The Magpies could profit from selling the young Spaniard, but he is worthy of a second chance. Merino is a superior dribbler and accurate passer. He must showcase those skills in training to compete with Mohamed Diame for a spot in the lineup.

2018-19 outlook: Quality rotation player

Carson A. Merk

Mikel Merino was everything we dreamed of early in the season. He was a great passer with amazing vision, a quick first touch, and a quality motor. Then, a major back injury hampered his ability. Unfortunately, while he was hurt, Mo Diame and Jonjo Shelvey completely locked in their spots in the midfield.

The youngster was left to substitute appearances and a rare spot start. He’s only 21 years old and could be a stalwart for Newcastle United for years to come. While there are countless rumors of a transfer to Spain, for around 10 million, I wouldn’t sell Merino. The closest thing I would do is loan him out for the season to keep him content, then if Diame falls off or another midfield piece moves in or out, you can handle his future accordingly next summer.

2018-19 outlook: Quality rotation player

Declan Ryan

It’s been a very bittersweet affair for the Spanish Under-21 International during his time on Tyneside. Initially signed on loan from Borussia Dortmund, Merino enjoyed a solid spell in midfield for Newcastle earlier in the season, featuring enough for Benitez to sign him to a permanent deal on a five-year contract in October. However, injuries and the prevailing form of both Mo Diame and Jonjo Shelvey left the 21-year-old on the bench for the majority of 2018, and rumours of him wanting to leave the club have been bolstered recently by interest from multiple La Liga clubs.

Merino is incredibly young but already a remarkably complete midfielder, as he has shown to be a very good dribbler and passer of the ball despite his reputation as a defensive midfielder. With Diame now 31, and Shelvey not always the most consistent player, Benitez should be salivating at the opportunity to mold Merino into an excellent Premier League midfielder for years to come. So long as he stays, Merino is easily a good rotation option in midfield – selling him after only one season would be a massive mistake for the club.

2018-19 outlook: Quality rotation player