The Newcastle United midfielder looks a class act with the ball at his feet.
Mikel Merino’s recent performance against Wolfsburg could be summed up by one sublime moment, as Newcastle United’s new midfielder curled a wonderful pass with the outside of his foot to set up an attack out of nothing.
Against Hellas Verona at the weekend there was no such Hollywood pass. But when the 21-year-old came off the bench he proved his quiet quality, oozing composure on the ball and almost always finding a teammate at the right time.
Wasting possession seems anathema to Newcastle’s latest addition and while some Magpies fans not at the game may have worried that they were not hearing his name often enough in the post-match assessment, the simple fact is he quietly went about his business, doing exactly what was asked of him with minimal fuss.
The composure he showed, even around his own penalty area, speaks volumes for his confidence and his ability and Newcastle supporters can rest assured they have another class act in their ranks.
He may not always pull off the sublime, but keeping it simple can be just as difficult in the hustle and bustle of the Premier League arena and Newcastle manager Rafa Benitez has secured a real gem in Merino.
His cameo against Verona was just more proof of what the Spaniard will have already known.
Receive exclusive football transfer news and updates twice a week to your mailbox
