MY ACCOUNT
Manchester City are reportedly ready to meet Mikel Merino’s £50million release clause — suggesting the Real Sociedad star could replace Fernandinho next season.
With his veteran Brazilian anchorman seemingly set to depart this summer after nine years of service at the Etihad, Pep Guardiola will need a new holding midfielder.
And the City boss has seemingly identified former Newcastle man Merino, 25, as a potential signing as he aims to strengthen in the centre of the park.
Ahead of City’s clash with Brighton tonight, we take a look at how the Spaniard might fit in.
Penetrative passing
Among Merino’s many talents is his capacity to play penetrative passes.
While not a typical creative central midfielder who racks up assists — he has contributed just two in 28 LaLiga games this season — the Pamploma native has a knack for moving the ball into dangerous areas.
Only three players in Spain’s top flight have attempted (12) and completed more (six) through-balls this term, while his total of 483 final third passes attempted is the 13th best in the division.
Aerial prowess
Standing at 6ft 2in, Merino would add an aerial presence to a largely diminutive City midfield.
He has won 93 aerial duels in LaLiga this campaign, which is a tally only seven others can better — a useful weapon in both open play and at set-pieces.
Merino is also skilled at earning free-kicks for his side to capitalise on, winning 59 fouls in the league this season.
Defensive duties
As he searches for a Fernandinho replacement, one of Guardiola’s concerns will be whether he can find a player who is able to blend the ball-winning and technical qualities needed for the lone pivot role in his 4-3-3 system.
Merino certainly does not fall short in this category.
He has won possession in the middle third of the pitch 121 times in LaLiga this term — only former Guardiola disciple Sergio Busquets (154) has a better record.
Self-belief
Merino spent a year in England with Newcastle before returning to Spain — and Sociedad’s No8 feels that he has developed since his previous spell in the Premier League.
He said: “I’ve grown a lot as a player. I’m more of a leader.
“The maturity that I have now — not only the experience that the minutes of the games give you but the years of experience that you have when you grow up and live different things — has given me a lot of confidence in myself.
“Right now, I feel like I’m a great player. I can help any team win any game.
“Back in the day, I used to think I had the quality and potential to become a great player. I never doubted myself in that aspect.
“Believing in my capabilities was always key for me and, with time and experience, I’m reaching a good level but this doesn’t end here.
“I want to keep going like this, keep learning from my mistakes, keep improving and become an even better player.
“The Premier League was an amazing season. The whole [Newcastle] team taught me how to be a tough man. Newcastle was great for me. I have good memories.
“The way I play is a little bit tougher because of those Premier League characteristics. You have to be a tough guy and give 100% for every ball because, if not, you’re going to get hurt.
“I’m only looking forward to helping my team, to improve myself. I’m sure if I do that, in the future, good things will come.”
A midfield metronome?
The quality of Merino’s passing is not in question — but he will be asked to take on a different role at City to the one he performs for La Real.
Fernandinho and Rodri sit alone at the base of midfield and post staggeringly high numbers when it comes to touches and passes as they dictate play from deep.
Per 90 minutes in league competition, Merino has taken 72.04 touches, attempted 53.43 passes and completed 41.58.
They are certainly not numbers to be sniffed at.
However, they pale in comparison to Fernandinho’s tallies of 89.11 touches, 76.74 passes attempted and 67.5 completed per 90, so Merino will have to learn to shoulder more responsibility if he moves to Manchester.
