The Newcastle United midfielder has struggled recently.
Mikel Merino made an impressive instant impact after joining Newcastle United from Borussia Dortmund, but the midfielder’s influence has waned in recent weeks.
The midfielder has demonstrated that, when at his best, he can set the tempo of games with short, snappy passes, while he also showed some encouraging signs that he can cope with the physical demands of the Premier League.
However, as the season has gone on Merino has struggled to perform consistently for Rafael Benitez’s team, to the extent where he has found himself out of the side at times in recent weeks.
Merino made his loan move from Dortmund permanent earlier in the campaign but now the 21-year-old must show that he can fulfil his vast potential at Newcastle.
With the club in the midst of a battle to avoid relegation from the Premier League, Newcastle must make full use of their squad in the remainder of the campaign, with Merino likely to have a significant part to play at some point.
Newcastle are in FA Cup fourth round action on Sunday as they face Chelsea away, and that game represents an excellent opportunity for Merino to get back on track.
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