Newcastle’s Mikel Merino picks out player he models his game on most

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Mikel Merino has made a brilliant start to life with Newcastle United, and has drawn comparisons with some fantastic players.

Ever since Mikel Merino arrived on loan at Newcastle in the summer, spectators and pundits alike have suggested that the Magpies may have landed their own Xabi Alonso.

Rafa Benitez – who, of course, managed Alonso at Liverpool – has previously suggested that there are similarities between the pair, as reported by the Chronicle, and Merino’s brilliant start to life at St James’ Park would have actually done the youngster no favours if he wanted to shake off the comparison with the playmaker.

But it would actually appear that the former Borussia Dortmund man – who joined the Magpies permanently this week – is happy to embrace the comparison after being asked by the Chronicle who he models his game on.

“If I have to pick one it would be Xabi Alonso,” he told the Chronicle when asked to pick one player he models his game on.

“I am different, I am taller and more physical but I admire the way those sorts of players play and how good they are with the ball.”

It is not difficult to see why the 21-year-old is compared with his countryman given that they share a nationality and playing position, while Merino’s talent on the ball may also perhaps evoke some memories of the former Liverpool, Real Madrid and Bayern Munich man.

And Newcastle will undoubtedly be hoping that Merino continues to impress in the same way that he has done so far, as he appears to be the kind of talent who could inspire Benitez’s men to ensure that they remain in the Premier League for another year at least.

And if Merino starts to show more signs that suggest that he could be the next Alonso, then Newcastle will undoubtedly have an incredibly special player on their hands during the coming years.