A Mikel Merino hat-trick helped Spain thrash Turkiye 6-0 in a World Cup qualifier in Konya that virtually ensured their berth in next year’s tournament.
Pedri scored a brace, and Ferran Torres added another goal in the match to hand Turkiye an embarrassing defeat at home.
Spain thus extended their unbeaten streak to 27 matches and currently lead their group with six points from two matches. La Furia Roja should qualify and also start as one of the favourites in next year’s World Cup.
Merino, who plays for Arsenal, justified his place on the international stage of the European champions by bagging his first international hat-trick. The 29-year-old midfielder has now scored six goals in as many matches this year in international football, which makes him one of the leading scorers in the world this year.
Spain’s Late Bloomer: Mikel Merino Hat-Trick Steals Spotlight
Merino did not make his international debut before attaining the age of 24 in 2020. With a plethora of stars around in the Spanish midfield, it was not an easy task to break into the national team.
Since then, he has played 37 times for Spain and scored eight goals, the majority of which have come this year.
Despite being a holding midfielder, he can play as a makeshift striker and score goals, too. He has also played as a striker for his club, Arsenal, in the recent past.
Merino scored only 27 goals in 242 matches for his previous club, Real Sociedad. However, for Arsenal, he has already scored nine goals in 46 matches so far.
He has an eye for the goal, undoubtedly, and is a dangerous player inside the opposition penalty box. He does not boast of a particularly powerful shot or exceptional ball skills, but his ability to find the net remains an asset for any team he plays for.
He now scores regularly whenever given a chance to play in an advanced position. It offers the Spanish team a great option to have and should help them a lot in the upcoming World Cup, too.
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Arsenal’s Star
Merino finds it a bit difficult to make it to the starting XI at Arsenal, as they have Martin Zubimendi and Declan Rice in their ranks. However, he makes appearances as a substitute and starts whenever a player like Martin Odegaard is injured.
At this stage of his career, Merino should not mind that, especially when he has the opportunity to play for a top club like Arsenal. The Gunners are not known for winning much silverware, however, which is something the Spaniard would like to change.
There are a number of Spaniards plying their trade in England as managers and players. Hence, Merino is a member of a privileged and chosen lot who should still have at least three or four years left in top-flight football.
His contract with the Gunners expires in 2028, which he should be able to see through. One can only wish him luck for the future and a successful tournament in United States next year.
Main Photo
Credit: IMAGO / Depo Photos
Recording Date: 07.09.2025