Arsenal fans will love what Mikel Merino is continuing to do on international duty
Mikel Merino has done one thing during Spain’s win over Bulgaria which will have delighted the Arsenal support.
Merino is battling for his spot in the Arsenal midfield amid Mikel Arteta’s increased squad depth and their fine form.
Arsenal’s 2-0 win over West Ham means the Gunners sit at the top of the Premier League during the international break, and they have won both of their opening Champions League matches.
Gabriel Martinelli has also impressed on international duty, as Arteta deliberates who to start against Fulham next.
Mikel Merino continues to score goals
In what could prove a crucial moment in the season, Merino scored the winner in Arsenal’s 2-1 win over Newcastle a couple of weeks ago, but it is with Spain where the midfielder is at his goal scoring best.
Merino now has six goals in his last four games for his nation, as he netted a brace against Bulgaria to keep Spain on track for World Cup qualification.
The 29-year-old was converted into a striker by Arteta last season amid Arsenal’s injury crisis, and Merino has been a revelation on the goalscoring front ever since.
Merino can be extra source of goals at Arsenal
Merino still started in his natural midfield position against Bulgaria, but showed even from deep he can make an attacking impact.
| Minutes Played | 90 |
| Goals | 2 |
| Chances Created | 5 |
| Big Chances Created | 2 |
| Penalties Won | 1 |
Criticism is often aimed at Arteta when the Spaniard picks a midfield three with Merino in it, with some believing it to be a defensive move.
His exploits for Spain though show that Merino can be another source of goals, alongside an already stacked Arsenal attack.