Best signing since Cabaye - Newcastle fans blown away by Benitez favourite after Brighton loss

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Published on:

24 Sep 2017, 12:21 pm

By Danny Wright

Newcastle United fans hailed Mikel Merino after his performance in the 1-0 loss to Brighton at the AMEX on Sunday - with one dubbing him the best signing they've made since Yohan Cabaye.

Merino, 21, is currently on loan at St. James' Park from German titans Borussia Dortmund, but the Magpies have the option to make his deal permanent at the end of the season.

After his displays in recent weeks, there's little doubt that fans would want Rafa Benitez to exercise the right to buy him for good after yet another solid outing against Brighton on Saturday when he marshalled the midfield perfectly.

The Spanish enforcer has become quite the favourite of Benitez since arriving on Tyneside, replacing Jonjo Shelvey in the starting line-up since he picked up a three-game ban in the opening day loss against Tottenham.

Merino is now the preferred option over the ex-Swansea man, and it's easy to see why after playing so well against Chris Hughton's side.

Fans were overjoyed with the Spain Under-21 international on Twitter after the game, with one hailing him as being their "best midfield signing since Cabaye".

Here is a selection of their tweets:

Merino is our best midfield signing since cabaye... you heard it hear! Blokes a fucking boss in the middle like! So comfortable #nufc
— Rob Nicholson (@rob_nicka) September 24, 2017

Merino is quality! Need to sign him from Dortmund on a permanent deal asap! So calm and collected in possession! #nufc #BHANEW
— David Calderbank (@davecalderbank5) September 24, 2017

Not exactly riveting but we came back into it. Had the better chances. Merino and Hayden been excellent. #NUFC
— Shane Saunders (@ShaneSaunders88) September 24, 2017

Hayden has been poor today..get Shelvey on for him,Merino more than capable of doing Hayden's role in the midfield #NUFC
— ★ Rყαɳ ★ Scudetto21 🏆💙🖤 (@RyanIM2Stars) September 24, 2017

Merino is just a class act in every aspect. Big future ahead. Will develop massively under Rafa. #NUFC
— Tommy Longworth (@Tommy_Longworth) September 24, 2017

Merino has started every Premier League game for the Magpies since he came off the bench on the opening day, making six total appearances as he solidifies his starting spot in Benitez's XI.

In other Newcastle United news, Jamaal Lascelles has revealed he had a big arguement with his team-mates.

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Mikel Merino