Following their midfield performances during Spain’s Nations League goalfest against France on Thursday night, Arsenal supporters have expressed their opinions about Mikel Merino and Martin Zubimendi. Luis de la Fuente’s team advanced to the Nations League final, where they will face Portugal, and the two began in the middle of the park with Pedri in Germany.
While everyone in the stadium was focused on Marc Cucurella, Gunners fans were closely monitoring Merino and Zubimendi, who is rumored to be one of Mikel Arteta’s top targets this summer after turning down a move to Liverpool the previous year. And based on what they seen, the supporters of North London have expressed their opinions clearly.
Arsenal Fans Rave About Zubimendi and Merino
The pair impressed those on social media
Merino maintained the goal-scoring instinct that earned him a spot as a makeshift striker at the Emirates in the second half of the 2024–25 season, even though he was back in his natural midfield position. He completed a clever give-and-go to beat Mike Maignan in the French goal and double his team’s lead in the first half.
Zubimendi, meanwhile, played more of a defensive-minded anchorman, much like the one he played when he replaced Rodri in the Euro 2024 final against England. He played a crucial part in the fiercely contested game all the way to the final whistle, losing possession only three times and making two good tackles.
Additionally, the two Spaniards captivated the attention of Arsenal supporters, who took to social media to express their admiration for them.
One devotee said about Merino: “There are real people who don’t think highly of Merino. A second person remarked, “Merino is actually a killer in front of goal man,” while the first said, “Unbelievable squad player to have in the team.”
“This Zubimendi man… Always making himself available, happy to hold the ball,” someone commented on Zubimendi. If a pass doesn’t have a purpose, he won’t release it,” a second person added, “Zubimendi. What? A. Go ahead. What a football player.
“I actually love what I’m seeing from Zubimendi,” exclaimed a third, and a fourth likened Merino and Zubimendi to Xavi and Iniesta.
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