‘Game-changer’: National media blown away by £31.6m Arsenal star after 9/10 performance on Int’l duty

Spanish media outlets praised Arsenal midfielder Mikel Merino after his decisive two-goal display in Spain's 2-1 Nations League win over Croatia on Tuesday night. Entering as a halftime substitute, Merino equalized in the 61st minute before netting the late winner to maintain Spain's 42-match unbeaten run. Spanish publications Sport and Mundo Deportivo lauded his impact, with Sport rating him 9/10 and describing his substitute appearance as a "game-changer" and "stellar."

Ed Davison writes that Merino's goalscoring run for Luis De La Fuente's team gives Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta an additional attacking option. With Kai Havertz doubtful for Saturday's match against Leeds United due to a hamstring injury, Davison notes that Merino could serve as a makeshift striker alternative alongside Viktor Gyokeres.