Spain manager Luis de la Fuente hails Arsenal's Mikel Merino as 'one of the best in the world' after brace off the bench

From the Newshound archive · first published 8 October 2026.

Mikel Merino scored twice as a substitute to fire Spain to a 2-1 comeback win over Croatia, taking his tally to five goals in eight appearances for La Roja — all from the bench. De la Fuente said it was an 'honour' to coach the 30-year-old and admitted he would have 'carried him in his arms to the World Cup'. Merino confessed to feeling frustrated at his lack of starts but vowed to keep his attitude positive.

De la Fuente said Merino deserves more recognition: 'In another country he would be more appreciated.'