From what we can tell of Mikel Merino he was born to play for Newcastle, and he looks a terrific buy by manager Rafa Benitez.
If Rafa can pick up a couple of bargains every summer like Mikel – we will be doing very well indeed.
As soon as Mikel made his debut, he looked real class for one so young at just 21 years old.
And if he keeps improving like he has done in the first five games of the season we could have a superstar on our hands next May.
One of the things that Mikel has in his favor is he has a real passion and determination to become a better player.
And that augers well for his future with world-class manager Rafa Benitez now guiding him.
Mikel Merino – seems to have everything
But it just shows how Rafa keeps in touch with the top players coming through in the game, and hopefully, more players like Mikel will be on their way to Newcastle in the future – maybe even in January?
Mikel makes it very clear he is “really, really happy” to be at Newcastle and that’s always very good to hear.
This is what Mikel has said as reported in the Chronicle:
“I look comfortable playing football, not only in Premier League – it’s what I like, it’s what I love,”
“I’ve been doing it since I was seven years old and for me it is my love. It doesn’t matter if we are playing at a higher intensity,”
“I have to adapt to it.” “The main reason why I feel comfortable is I have really good team-mates who are always supporting me.”
“Of course I would have taken this first month,”
“It would have been perfect if we’d won all the matches.”
“But the way we are playing, the way the team thinks about playing football, the penetration and concentration – all these things are perfect at the moment.”
“I’m really, really happy to be here, enjoying every training and every match.”
Mikel is such an exciting player to watch and very strong when he is in possession.
It will be interesting to see how Jonjo Shelvey and Mikel play together with Merino maybe playing the defensive midfield role?
What do you think?
Comments welcome.
8 comments so far
Bobbybee
Sep 19, 2017 at 9:09 AM
Comment #1Sorry Ed, seems I got one step ahead of you there somehow. 🙂 I refer you to my post overleaf.
nightfa11
Sep 19, 2017 at 9:12 AM
Comment #2Id like to see him as no. 10 with
Bobbybee
Sep 19, 2017 at 9:22 AM
Comment #3Hard to believe this kid is just 21. He plays with the maturity of somebody four years older at least. Glad we’ve got a guarantee purchase on him or we’d lose him for sure.
The so called ‘big clubs’ might not have him on their radar just yet, but if he continues controlling games in this manner he’ll soon get noticed.
We’ll have to say he’s picked up a potentially career ending injury before each window in the future to pit them all off. 🙂
catchy in norway
Sep 19, 2017 at 9:23 AM
Comment #4Lee from previous. if Lacselles is impeded at corners it doesn’t matter how good ritchie’s corners are.
JP...from The Rock
Sep 19, 2017 at 9:25 AM
Comment #5I love it how Rafa has made this team have squad depth. Even if Mbemba being impressive at LB was a fluke for him (as Rafa didn’t really rate him before) we still have all positions covered with an able option to make the position their own. We haven’t had this ever I think . And it’s is crucial for any successful team especially ours knowing our constant injuries. We finally have squad depth and in January or summer we only really need to improve on ST, CAM, LB, LW and GK. We do that and we are flying. If only Ashley could see the error of his ways and hand Rafa a massive transfer kitty we would be sorted next summer. And could really challenge for a top 8 finish.
Bobbybee
Sep 19, 2017 at 9:29 AM
Comment #6Nightfa11, same here. I think playing Shelvey there would take too much of his game away myself. Without those sixty yard killer passes he’s not that special – if you get my drift. Playing a sixty yard pass from the No 10 position puts the ball halfway up the stands. 🙂
Whereas Merino plays a lot of clever short passes, can drift past defenders with ease, shoot and big enough to trouble defences in the air. I reckon he’d be ideal playing there if Rafa fancies trying it.
He has inferred though that he sees them both vying for the same place, which is his choice to make obviously, but I’d still like to see him try it.
Wandering Geordie
Sep 19, 2017 at 10:05 AM
Comment #7I know its early in the season and we have 3 wins ,but after seeing the team playlet has a style very similar to that of the premiership winning team of Leicester.Im not saying for a minute that we will win it ,but there are similarities i.e. the workmanship,and the togetherness of the team and the sheer graft.Not a team of stars
Geordie-john
Sep 19, 2017 at 11:13 AM
Comment #8If it ain’t broken don’t try to fix it ! Build on it and if Shelvey doesn’t fit in with Mikel then it’s bye bye Shelvey for me . I like Shelvey as a player BUT he is another David Batty. Lose the red mist and get some false teeth so you can take them out and not bite at the likes of Deli Ali.