Mikel Merino accepts Spain’s impact role despite limited Arsenal minutes

Mikel Merino says he will not complain about being left out of Spain’s starting line-up, despite admitting it is difficult to adjust to a role as a substitute.

The Arsenal midfielder has become a key option for Spain manager Luis de la Fuente, regularly entering matches from the bench and helping to influence their outcome.

Speaking alongside de la Fuente before Thursday’s meeting with Czech Republic, Merino said players who finish matches can be just as important as those who begin them.

“Of course, every player wants to start, but I feel valued, as do my team-mates,” he said, according to Cadena SER. “I will not complain about the manager’s decision, but everyone wants to have an important role.”

Merino added: “I see it as something positive. It is not limited to one particular situation. Being congratulated is always positive, even if you come on as a substitute.”

The 30-year-old has already made a significant contribution to Spain’s recent success, scoring decisive goals in major matches. His important moments include the winner against Germany in the Euro 2024 quarter-final and the goal that determined Portugal’s fate at the last World Cup.

Although he has often been used as a replacement, Merino said the role can be difficult to accept because footballers naturally assess their contribution individually.

“It is hard to take in because we compete and think about football individually,” he said. “Having a manager makes me look at football differently. His role is extremely complicated, with the physical demands of the sport and five substitutions.

“Often, as Luis says, the players who finish matches are the ones who win tournaments. That convinces you even more.”

Merino understands Arsenal competition

Merino’s comments also reflected his situation at Arsenal, where he and Spain team-mate and friend Martin Zubimendi have not had the regular playing time they would like.

He said he understood the strength of the competition at his club.

“The situation is different, and Martin and I are fully aware of Arsenal’s position,” Merino said. “For me, it is the best club in the world. They have an extremely strong squad and it is very difficult to get an opportunity to play, but I am waiting to see whether things can change.”

Merino was also asked about Spain’s unbeaten run and whether it had been discussed in the dressing room during the international break.

“We have not spoken about it at all during this break,” he said. “We are dealing with it calmly and know that it is important. Records are assessed in the future, but at the moment we are thinking only about the next match.”

He also sent his best wishes to Barrenetxea following the player’s injury.

“I have not spoken to him, but I hope he recovers soon,” Merino said. “He deserves that, and I am sure he will get his opportunity again.”