Arsenal midfielder Mikel Merino scored a sensational hat-trick for Spain on Sunday night against Turkey in a World Cup qualifier.
The former Real Sociedad star netted three superb goals in Konya as the European champions cruised to a 6-0 victory.
After sweeping home his first following a brilliant team move, Merino doubled his tally on the stroke of half-time, arriving at the perfect moment to finish off Pedri’s cut-back. He then completed his hat-trick in the second half with a stunning long-range strike, capping off a remarkable all-round display from the Gunners midfielder.
Arsenal fans react to Merino’s hat-trick
Mikel Arteta was heavily criticised for being too conservative in Arsenal’s 1-0 defeat to Liverpool at Anfield last week. Much of that criticism came after he started Merino in midfield, with some supporters perceiving the 29-year-old as a purely defensive option.
However, Merino has now scored four goals in his last two international appearances — one against Bulgaria and a hat-trick against Turkey. This run of form has prompted Arsenal fans to argue that Arteta’s decision to select him at Anfield was, in fact, justified.
One supporter reacted to a post about Merino’s treble by writing:
“Remember though, playing Merino was totally negative and meant Arsenal deserved to lose.”
Another joked:
“Look Spain, you might be winning 6-0 via a Merino hat-trick, but him starting tells you straight away about your manager’s mindset.”
A third fan added:
“Mikel Merino ‘defensive midfielder’ scores again.”
While another commented:
“Merino scoring four goals in two games for Spain, literally a week after everyone was calling him a DM, is the funniest thing.”
One more analytical supporter even described him as a goal magnet:
“The thing about Merino is that he already had the timing, ghosting, height, span/reach to rack up those wily fox goals in the box: headers, pokes, arrivals. But when you add his first-time sweeps or long-range hits, he’s a borderline goal magnet.”
Mikel Merino’s stats vs Turkey
Merino was simply outstanding against Turkey.
With Pedri and Martin Zubimendi controlling the build-up, the ex-Newcastle man found freedom to push into advanced positions and exploit space inside the box.
He registered four shots and accumulated 0.55 expected goals (xG), showcasing his intelligent movement and ability to time his runs perfectly.
Mikel Merino’s stats vs Turkey (via FotMob):
Minutes played: 90 Shots: 4 Touches: 58 Accurate passes: 38/44 (86%) Chances created: 2 Passes into final third: 5 Expected goals (xG): 0.55
On top of his goalscoring heroics, Merino was also tidy in possession, completing 86% of his passes and creating two chances for teammates.
Arteta will no doubt have been delighted watching his midfielder shine on the international stage — and he’ll feel vindicated in his decision to back Merino at Anfield.