The 21-year-old, who is on a season-long loan from Borussia Dortmund, was named the FUN88 player of the month this week, having excelled in his first few outings for the Magpies.
He is the subject of this week’s Big Interview in Saturday’s issue of United, the club’s official matchday programme, in which he discusses his childhood in Spain, the influence of his father Ángel – a former professional footballer and coach – as well as his way of responding to criticism of his game.
Former Newcastle manager Graeme Souness questioned the Spanish Under-21 international following his first start for the club at Huddersfield Town, but Merino responded with a masterful display on his first St. James’ Park start against West Ham the following week.
“It’s part of football. It’s part of being intelligent, being clever, being calm and knowing how it works. Maybe if I was a bit angry or disappointed because of people saying things, I wouldn’t have played the same way,” he told United. “So I tried to do my job, enjoy playing and helping my teammates and, well, we won 3-0.
“I received the love of the fans on social media and I’m so thankful for that. I love when people say you are good, but I take it easy, because it can change. I love the way people are with the team, the way people support the team in the matches, it’s the perfect way – the combination between the team and the crowd is incredible, and it has to be like this to improve.”
Merino has adapted to the rigours of the Premier League with ease, his technical ability complemented by a willingness to do the unglamorous work in the middle of the park too. Along with Matt Ritchie, the former Osasuna man has made the most tackles of any Magpies player this term.
“It’s part of me, and it’s the way I understand football. You can be a really good player on the ball, but you have to compete yourself,” he said. “You have to fight for the ball, defend, run. I love running. If I finish a match and I’m not exhausted, that means I haven’t given 100 per cent, and that would be wrong.
“You have to go onto the grass and compete, not only have the ball and do tiki-taka, like they say in Spain. You have to be complete, and get better and better. If you only think about having the ball, you will not be as good as if you work on all parts of your football.”
In Saturday’s issue, there is also an interview with former Magpies winger Ruel Fox, who recalls the heady days of the Kevin Keegan era and discusses his life after retirement, while the United Backstage feature – in which staff members behind the scenes at the club tell their stories – continues with Kit and Equipment Assistant Neil Stoker.
Nathan Harker is the young player under the spotlight this week, Geordie broadcaster Pete Graves pens his latest column and Club Historian Paul Joannou takes a look at a collection of archive magazines featuring Magpies players of the past.
To read all of this in full – plus much more – pick up a copy of United on Saturday, which will be available around St. James’ Park and in the club store, priced at just £3.
