The Newcastle fans in the Transfer Tavern have been discussing their club’s 21-year-old Spanish midfielder, Mikel Merino. The ex-Borussia Dortmund man has been enjoying an incredible debut season at St James Park, making 24 Premier League appearances, scoring one goal and registering one assist for Rafa Benitez’s side.
Had Merino scored yesterday, he’d have been a hero. Really want that lad back to his very best. He was absolutely insane first quarter of the season. Next year. #NUFC
— NUFC 360 (@NUFC360) 6 May 2018
Mikel Merino joined Newcastle on-loan from Borussia Dortmund initially on-loan before triggering a clause in his contract making the deal permanent. Now though, the midfielder has progressed into one of the Geordies most talented midfielders, alongside Jonjo Shelvey and his countryman, Ayoze Perez in the middle of the park for the St James Park faithful.
Despite his success in the Northeast, Merino has also had a spell on the sidelines after being plagued by injuries in his first year in the Premier League. The Spaniard missed three games in late October and early November as he suffered a slipped disk in his spine. The midfielder will be looking to regain his top form in the next few seasons as he continues to develop as a midfielder in the Premier League.
You can read our local Geordies’ verdict on Merino here:
https://twitter.com/TheMackemSlayer/status/993087384953602048
https://twitter.com/nufcukonline/status/993094049497321473
Could maybe play him in the number 10 role as he plays more forward for the Spanish youth team
— JordanKyle (@ForwardMoving17) May 6, 2018
https://twitter.com/Asallsince1993/status/993088520112746496
Worrying thing is if he had a slipped disc in his back he will never be the same again.
— Paul Palpatine (@Magman55) May 6, 2018
He'll be off I reckon
— Donaldinho (@lewisnufc1999) May 6, 2018
https://twitter.com/dan_hazza/status/993088178792878080
Our center midfield is so solid and stacked right now. Merino, Hayden, Shelvey and Diame. All are good, which makes line ups difficult.
— Robert Tennyson (@Tenno98) May 6, 2018
Think that people forget just how young he still is. Started strongly, got injured and never really got going again. Still a great talent.
— 1892oon (@1892oon) 6 May 2018
https://twitter.com/tonyhenderson73/status/993086648396275712
