Merino Muscle Memory Protects Spain

ROTTERDAM, FRIDAY - Midfielder Mikel Merino has only recently been learning how to play as a forward over the past month at his club, Arsenal. Nevertheless, Merino's muscle memory appears to have already developed. This new role at the club has proven to be a blessing for the Spanish national team.

Spain survived the attack of the host Netherlands in the first match of the 2024-2025 European Nations League quarter-finals at the Feyenoord Stadium, Friday (21/3/2025) early morning WIB. Merino became Spain's hero with an equalizer in the third minute of injury time. The match ended in a 2-2 draw.

"The hard-fought draw was very difficult because we faced a rival team. We wanted to end the record of never winning here (in the Netherlands), but we couldn't," said Spain's Head Coach Luis de la Fuente, who successfully extended the unbeaten record to 22 matches.

Merino is the most suitable figure at the right time. He was brought in at the 84th minute, three minutes after Dutch wing-back Jorrel Hato was handed a red card. Fuente sought to add players in the penalty box to capitalize on the numerical advantage.

Like a true center forward, Merino immediately took the initiative to enter the penalty box after observing the movement of winger Nico Williams. He waited for the ball in front of the goal. That positioning paid off. The ball came to his feet during the scramble.

Although the left-footed player had to execute the move using his weaker foot, the right foot, it was not an issue. Merino effortlessly scored the goal with a single touch, without first controlling the ball. He seemed accustomed to being in such decisive finishing moments.

Merino's heroic actions cannot be separated from his influence at Arsenal. Assigned as an emergency striker since mid-February, he has already appeared seven times as the spearhead. The 28-year-old player has performed quite impressively, successfully scoring four goals despite never having played in that position throughout his career.

Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta stated last weekend that he is very satisfied with Merino's development in his new position. "It is very demanding for him. We asked him to do something he had never done before. However, he is willing to learn and give his best. That has been very helpful," he said.

Merino's potential to become a striker was already apparent at Euro 2024 Germany. He was the scorer of Spain's winning goal against the hosts in the semifinal match that went into extra time. At that time, he played as a box-to-box midfielder who often went forward.

It was a shame to concede a goal at the end. We didn't deserve that. It's very difficult to play with ten men.

Despite the result, the Dutch had been convincing before the red card. They were stunned by Williams' early goal but recovered gradually and dominated the game. Goals from Cody Gakpo and Tijjadni Reijnders gave them some confidence.

"It's a shame to concede a goal at the end. We didn't deserve it. It's very difficult to play with ten men. We played our best and were the better team. We are ready to challenge them at their home," said Netherlands head coach Ronald Koeman, as quoted by UEFA's official website.

Koeman's experiment was a success. Bournemouth attacking midfielder Justin Kluivert was brought on from the start. Koeman wanted to capitalize on Kluivert's fiery momentum in the Premier League. Kluivert has only appeared three times for the national team.

Kluivert was called up by the Netherlands in 2018. Then, after a long time, he rejoined the national team in the European Nations League group stage. He last played as a right winger against Bosnia, in November 2024.

This time the role was different. Kluivert was assigned as an attacking midfielder, given freedom like Bournemouth. He often moved to fill the left halfspace or swapped positions with left winger Cody Gakpo. Kluivert's combination with Gakpo resulted in a goal in the first half.

In addition to contributing assists, Kluivert also created movement without the ball in the opponent's defense. The Spanish players were quite confused because of the Dutch second line attack. When Kluivert moved to the left side, Reijnders moved up to the "number 10" position or right behind striker Memphis Depay.

Koeman's decision to play Jeremie Frimpong as a winger on the right side also paid off. Frimpong's speed was a real nuisance for full-back Marc Cucurella. One of the Bayer Leverkusen player's actions resulted in an assist for Reijnders' goal early in the second half.

Spain looked quiet after taking an early lead. Barcelona winger Lamine Yamal, who was withdrawn in the 66th minute, also had little to contribute, having played a role in winning the ball in the build-up to the opening goal. Williams was almost the only one who performed well.

The semifinal ticket winner will be determined in the second match at Spain's home, Mestalla Stadium, Valencia, Monday morning WIB. "We have a good team, but we have to work harder. This match showed, we never attacked. We have a big chance in Valencia," Williams said. (AP/REUTERS)