Arsenal’s Mikel Merino was hot on the international stage yet again after his brace inspired Spain to a commanding 4-0 victory against Bulgaria in Valladolid. The five-time winners inched another match towards qualifying for the 2026 FIFA World Cup with a perfect record in Group E.
Merino’s Masterclass Leads Spain’s Charge
Mikel Merino fired the visitors ahead midway through the first half, with a fine header at the near post from Robin Le Normand’s cross, meeting it perfectly to glance past Bulgarian keeper Svetoslav Vutsov. The Arsenal star quickly added a second with an even more powerful header into the bottom corner for 2-0, straight after the re-start.
The 29-year-old has six in four World Cup qualifiers now and cements his growing legend as one of Europe’s most effective box-to-box midfielders. His physical presence, late runs into the box and ability in the air gives Spain a different outlet going forward which Luis de la Fuente has utilised to devastating effect.
The Merino show leaves him level with Kevin De Bruyne as the highest marksman among midfielders in this stage of European qualifying, at least statistically. His goal also highlighted Spain’s quality of attacking options and how deep they run with their squad, as they didn’t have key players like Lamine Yamal, Rodri or Nico Williams.
Although Bulgaria was trying to keep it tight, Spain utterly controlled proceedings. They had 33 shots with an xG of 3.87, hitting it on target 11 times. Bulgaria, for its part, could muster just three overall wayward efforts all night in failing to advance past midfield against Spain’s unrelenting grind.
Unbeaten and Unstoppable – Spain’s Consistency Defines a New Era
It also stretched Spain’s unbeaten record in competitive matches to 29, which equals their all-time best sequence set between 2010 and 2013 – a spell incorporating World Cup and Euro successes. For this particular group is a work in progress and, under De la Fuente, playing on the rise.
Pair that with the defensive solidity of Robin Le Normand and Aymeric Laporte, and it makes for a balance many of the top sides can only dream about. Le Normand in particular continues to make a name for himself, his contribution to Merino’s match-winner being his fourth goal contribution in just five club and international appearances – showing that his worth lies at both ends of the field.
Spain’s ability to sustain pressure through intelligent passing triangles and positional rotation left Bulgaria chasing shadows. Even when opportunities fell to Samu Aghehowa and Pedri early on, only Vutsov’s reflex saves kept the scoreline respectable for much of the match.
Yet, as the minutes ticked by, the gulf in quality grew apparent. Spain’s substitutes added fresh energy, and the hosts’ fourth win in four games now puts them three points clear of Turkey, who remain in second place after defeating Georgia.
Author’s View: Merino – The Engine of a Resurgent Spain
Watching Merino like this it is hard not to think of Spain’s golden midfield era. A pinch of Busquets’ Tactical discipline, a dose of Fabregas’ dynamisms and aerial prowess that Spain previously didn’t have. His recent streak — six goals in four qualifiers — isn’t just helping bring Spain up the table, statistically speaking; it’s also an emotional boost, affording Enrique a new totem who has the capability to settle tight games.
Spain’s evolution under De la Fuente has been based on tactical understanding and team ethos instead of individual brilliance, but Merino’s arrival provides both. If he keeps going at this rate, Arsenal might find they have one of Europe’s greatest midfielders, and Spain maybe the pulse of their next World Cup-contending team.
