Mikel Merino ready to make his mark for Spain despite limited starting opportunities

Mikel Merino says he will not complain about his role as an impact substitute for Spain, despite wanting to start, and believes the players who finish matches are often the ones who win trophies.

Merino was speaking alongside Spain manager Luis de la Fuente at the news conference before Thursday’s meeting with the Czech Republic. The Arsenal midfielder has become an important option from the bench, regularly making the difference in major matches when Spain need a change in momentum.

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

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

Merino accepts Spain role

Merino has scored several significant goals during Spain’s recent period of success, including in the Euro 2024 quarter-final against Germany and with the goal that determined Portugal’s fate at the most recent World Cup.

Although he has often entered the game from the bench, the 30-year-old believes his contribution remains significant. He said the role could be difficult for players to accept because footballers naturally compete with one another and think individually.

“It is difficult to process because we compete and think about football individually,” Merino said. “Having a manager makes me look at football differently. His role is extremely complicated, given the physical demands of the sport and the existence of five substitutions.

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

Merino’s situation at Arsenal was also discussed, with the midfielder and his friend Martin Zubimendi both finding regular playing time difficult to secure.

“I understand the situation at Arsenal,” he said. “For me, it is the best club in the world. They have a very strong squad and it is extremely difficult to get an opportunity to play, but I am waiting to see whether I can change things.”

Spain not focused on unbeaten run

Spain’s unbeaten run has not been a subject of discussion in the dressing room during the current international break, according to Merino.

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

Merino also sent his best wishes to team-mate Barrenetxea after his injury.

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