The likes of William Saliba, Kai Havertz, Gabriel Magalhaes and Gabriel Martinelli have all linked up with their respective nations in the final international break of 2024.
On Friday night, Arsenal summer signing Mikel Merino was in action for Spain alongside club teammate David Raya as they looked to seal top spot in their Nations League group.
La Roja ran out 2-1 winners over Denmark in Copenhagen, with Mikel Oyarzabal and Ayoze Perez putting the visitors two up by the hour mark.
Although Gustav Isaksen halved the deficit in the 84th minute, Denmark could not find an equaliser, and so Spain triumphed to top group A4.
Merino gave a good account of himself for Spain, and their media were eager to sing the Arsenal man’s praises at ful
Arsenal star Mikel Merino delivers ‘tireless’ display for Spain in Denmark
Sport described Merino as ‘tireless’ and gave him a rating of 7 out of 10 for his efforts on the night.
‘The Arsenal player had a remarkable match,’ they wrote.
‘He recovered many balls thanks to his positioning and intelligence. Spain’s first goal came from one of these recoveries.’
Likewise, El Desmarque awarded Merino a 7 out of 10 for how he performed in the Danish capital.
‘He dominated the midfield at Copenhagen’s Parken Stadium, making himself strong despite the Danish power in midfield,’ they wrote.
‘He combined well with Ayoze and Oyarzabal for the opening goal.
Meanwhile, Marca gave the Gunners summer signing a rating of 7.5 out of 10.
‘Good play by Merino in the first few minutes of the match, providing solidity in midfield,’ they began.
‘Spain’s first goal came from his boots after stealing the ball and standing on the edge of the area, he passed it to Ayoze who played Oyarzabal instead of finishing and he put it in off the line.’
In the second half, ‘Merino left the pitch applauding the fans and receiving a warm round of applause in return for his good performance against Denmark.’
How many ground duels Merino won
As per Sofascore, who awarded Merino a score of 7.1 out of 10, the Arsenal player won nine ground duels and chipped in with three tackles.
Merino also boasted an 80 percent pass accuracy rate, completed four of his five dribbles, and found the target with three of his four long-ball deliveries.
Spain have now secured top spot in Group A4 thanks to their win over Denmark.
The European champions were already through to the quarter-finals but needed to win at Parken Stadium to progress as winners.
Spain are next in action against Switzerland on Monday night.
Arsenal have gone close to winning the Premier League in each of the last two seasons, but City have pipped them to the title on both occasions.
The Gunners were expected to continue to push City this season, but they have gone off the pace in recent weeks.
Arteta’s side are fourth in the Premier League table at the moment and are nine points behind leaders Liverpool.
Arsenal, who want to sign Mohamed Kudus from West Ham United, have wobbled in recent weeks which include a 1-0 defeat at Newcastle United and a 1-0 loss to Inter Milan in the UEFA Champions League.
And the critics are starting to raise questions over Arsenal manager Arteta, a former assistant to Guardiola at City.
Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta questioned over his players
Former Liverpool striker Stan Collymore has questioned whether Arteta has really improved players like Guardiola has at City and Emery at Aston Villa.
The pundit does not think that Arteta has had much to do with the improvement of Martin Odegaard and has not been impressed with Declan Rice’s performances for Arsenal this season.
Collymore wrote in CaughtOffSide: “This is Mikel Arteta’s team now, and these are Mikel Arteta’s players. He has broken the bank for the likes of Declan Dice who, dare I say, has been below par so far this season.
“Players that came in that were supposed to be winners from a winning club Manchester City – Zinchenko and Jesus – are nothing more than bit part players.
“How many players has Arteta actually brought in that were seen to be title-winning level players, and how many of them has he made significantly better? Ben White? Kai Havertz? Thomas Partey? Declan R
“What about Martin Odegaard? He was the guy at age 15 at Real Madrid that was meant to go on and be a world beater anyway, so surely he would have got to this point of maturity whereby he has an impact on somebody’s first team.
“The classic question is how many players in the Arsenal squad has Mikel Arteta turned from average to good, good to very good, very good to great? And if you compare that with Jurgen Klopp, Pep Guardiola, Unai Emery and others, he doesn’t come across very well at all.
“Forget results, because results come as a consequence of you making those players better.
“It’s not about whether he’s a nice guy, it’s not whether he’s fresh and young or he’s from the Pep Guardiola Barcelona school of coaching… How many players has Arteta actually made significantly better and, Arsenal fans, I want you to answer that honestly.”
Three players Mikel Arteta has improved at Arsenal
One of the players Arteta has improved at Arsenal is Ben White. White is a central defender by trade, but he has done well at right-back. You have to praise Arteta for being able to convert him into the role.
William Saliba is another player who has become under Arteta. Instead of putting the defender straight into the starting lineup, the Arsenal boss decided to send him out on loan. Real Madrid’s interest in Saliba is a testament to his development under Arteta.
Odegaard is another player who has become better and is fulfilling his potential under Arteta. That Real Madrid decided to let him go was a sign that they did not believe in him. Arteta did, and now Arsenal are reaping the rewards.
