Spain head coach Luis de la Fuente has praised Arsenal midfielder Mikel Merino as a world-class player after his late winner against Belgium sent La Roja into the World Cup semi-finals.
Spain head coach Luis de la Fuente has hailed Arsenal midfielder Mikel Merino as a world-class talent following his decisive contribution in La Roja’s dramatic World Cup quarter-final victory over Belgium.
Merino once again delivered when it mattered most, scoring in the 88th minute to secure Spain’s 2-1 win and book their place in the World Cup semi-finals, where they will face France on July 14.
The Arsenal star has developed a reputation for producing crucial moments during the tournament after also netting the injury-time winner in Spain’s 1-0 victory over Portugal in the round of 16.
Mikel Merino has scored three goals for Spain at the World Cup and the European Championships:
◉ 119′ winner vs. Germany (QF)
◉ 90+1′ winner vs. Portugal (L16)
◉ 88′ winner vs. Belgium (QF)He’s done it again. 🤯 pic.twitter.com/mStCOckNaN
— Squawka (@Squawka) July 10, 2026
Despite starting just one match during Spain’s World Cup campaign, De la Fuente insisted Merino’s quality places him among the very best players in world football.
“Mikel has many virtues. He’s a world-class footballer who could play for any national team and any club, just like he does for a top team,” De la Fuente said after Spain’s victory over Belgium.
The Spain manager also praised the midfielder’s importance within his squad, adding that Merino perfectly fits the team’s style of play and consistently delivers whenever he is called upon.
Reflecting on his match-winning goal, Merino credited his mentality and self-belief for his growing influence at the tournament. The Arsenal midfielder said that hard work, confidence and a desire to make an impact have helped him seize his opportunities when they have come.
Looking ahead to Spain’s blockbuster semi-final against France, Merino expects another fiercely contested encounter between two of the tournament’s strongest sides.
He described the clash as an elite matchup between teams at the peak of their powers and expressed confidence that Spain can produce another outstanding performance to reach the World Cup final.
