Spain head coach Luis de la Fuente believes Arsenal midfielder Mikel Merino is ‘world class’ and could play for any team in the world.
Merino came to Spain’s rescue at the World Cup once again as his goal in the 88th minute sealed La Roja’s 2-1 win over Belgium in the quarter-final on Friday.
In the last-16, Merino found the net in injury time to secure Spain’s 1-0 win over Portugal.
Spain will now play France in the World Cup semi-final on July 14.
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Merino, meanwhile, has started just one game for Spain at the World Cup this summer but despite his lack of minutes, De la Fuente believes the Arsenal midfielder should be regarded as one of the best in the world.
‘Mikel has many virtues, he’s a world-class footballer who could play for any national team, any club, just like he does for a top team. And with us, he’s perfectly suited to this idea, this system,’ De La Fuente said after Spain’s win over Belgium.
‘We’re lucky to have him and other players. With Mikel, we know he’s always there when we need him.’
Speaking after scoring his second goal of the World Cup, Merino believes his self-belief has been key to making an impact for Spain this summer.
‘I already said it in the previous match, that there are no coincidences, that when you believe in yourself, when you’re eager to improve and make an impact on the game when you go out there, sometimes things just fall into your lap,’ said the Arsenal midfielder.
Asked about Spain’s semi-final against France, Merino said: ‘It’s going to be an elite match, a very close one, with an incredible rivalry.
‘Two teams that are at the peak of their game. We’ll try to play a great match like last time and win again.
‘On a personal level, I’m enjoying these joys even more, but it’s been a different, less glamorous journey. I don’t think we were that good at the Euros [in 2004], but they’re a very serious team that deserved more, and we’re happy with the victory.’
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