Mikel Merino is a new cult hero at Newcastle United but has his start to life on Tyneside justified that status?
The November international break is a checkpoint which signals that we are roughly a third of the way through the season.
This is, in most cases, a long enough time for judgements to be made on the millions of pounds worth of summer signings.
Here we take a closer look at Newcastle United’s deep-lying playmaker Mikel Merino.
Merino has quickly become a fans’ favourite at St James’ Park, with his combination of technical prowess and midfield industry making him perfect for the Premier League.
The 21-year-old is not a typical La Liga import who shirks, at least initially, the physicality of the English game – he ranks second for tackles per game in the division with 3.9.
Rafael Benitez was so impressed that he quickly turned Merino’s season-long loan from Borussia Dortmund into a permanent deal – for as little as £7m according to Sky Sports.
In the current transfer market, for a player so young in age but rich in talent, that is an absolute bargain.
Merino scores his first Newcastle goal during the Premier League match against Crystal Palace at St. James Park
Newcastle have won three of the six league games that the Spaniard has started, and only one of the six that he hasn’t – when Merino himself came off the bench to score the winner against Crystal Palace.
Merino still needs to prove that he is not just a quick starter and can have a lasting impact over the gruelling schedule of a full English season, but the early signs are very encouraging.
Grade: A-
SEE MORE:
Grading Newcastle’s summer signings – Christian Atsu
Grading Newcastle’s summer signings – Manquillo & Murphy
Receive exclusive football transfer news and updates twice a week to your mailbox
