Joey Barton praises Newcastle United midfielder Mikel Merino

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Newcastle United were beaten 1-0 by Brighton & Hove Albion in their latest outing.

Joey Barton has told the Alan Brazil Sports Breakfast, which was broadcast on TalkSPORT on 25th September, that he was impressed by Newcastle United’s Mikel Merino’s latest performance.

Newcastle were beaten 1-0 by Brighton & Hove Albion at the Amex Stadium, in what was a disappointing defeat for Rafael Benitez’s side.

But Barton still saw some positives for Newcastle during yesterday’s contest, and Merino’s display was one which impressed him.

Barton said: “I was impressed with the young lad, Merino, and I thought when Shelvey came on he gave them some purpose. The worry for them is that they don’t seem to have an abundance of goals in the side.”

Merino has been in excellent form ever since joining Newcastle on loan from Borussia Dortmund during the summer transfer window.

The Spanish midfielder has adjusted to playing in the Premier League with ease, and he already appears to have a key role to play for Newcastle.

The Magpies had their chances against Brighton yesterday, but they were unable to find the back of the net against Chris Hughton’s side.

Newcastle’s defeat on the south coast has ended their run of three straight victories, and seen them fall down to ninth place in the Premier League table.