As Mikel Merino prepares for the biggest game of his life – the World Cup final between Spain and Argentina – the Arsenal midfielder is quick to stress that success starts with the person, not the player.
“The focus is on being a good human first, then a good footballer,” Merino told The Guardian in an exclusive interview from Spain’s New Jersey training camp.
That philosophy, he explains, has been the bedrock of Luis de la Fuente’s squad rebuild. Since taking over, the manager has cultivated an environment where mutual respect and emotional intelligence are as valued as tactical acumen.
A Team Built on Respect
Merino, now 30, traces the team’s harmony back to De la Fuente’s clear emphasis on positive relationships.
“Luis has created a group where everyone feels important,” he said. “We win together, we lose together, and nobody is above the collective. That’s not just talk – it’s embedded in our daily work.”
This cultural shift has yielded results. Spain navigated a demanding tournament path, blending youthful verve with seasoned composure. And while tactical flexibility has been key, Merino insists the human element is the true differentiator.
Approach for the Final
With the final at MetLife Stadium looming, rituals have been adapted. Gone are the chocolate indulgences of their 2010 predecessors; nutrition now takes precedence.
“I think the nutritionists killed that one for us!” Merino laughed, recalling the hot chocolate and croissants enjoyed by the title-winning generation. “Everyone has their own routine, but the main thing is to normalise it all: just another game, doing something we know how to do, that we’ve done since we were five years old and that we love.”
Facing an Argentina side brimming with firepower, notably Lautaro Martinez and the enduring Lionel Messi, Spain’s plan is to impose their own rhythm rather than react. Merino spoke of a calm confidence bred from facing elite opposition throughout the tournament.
“We respect Argentina immensely, but we don’t fear them,” he said. “If we execute our game, we believe we can beat anyone.”
The Tactical Battle
Spain’s possession-based approach will be tested by an Argentina outfit that has been ruthlessly clinical. Key statistics underline the contrast in styles ahead of kick-off.
Argentina goals scored: 19 (tournament high)
Spain shots per 90 minutes: 18.3
Argentina conversion rate: 22%
Spain possession average: 65%
Merino, likely to play a vital role in breaking up Argentina’s transitions, acknowledges the threat but remains focused on his team’s identity. “We know how they play, but we have to be ourselves. That’s what brought us here.”
Merino’s Journey to the Top
A graduate of the Osasuna academy, Merino has carved a resilient path through elite European football – Borussia Dortmund, Newcastle, Real Sociedad, and now Arsenal under Mikel Arteta. His intelligence and versatility have made him indispensable for both club and country, and a World Cup final represents the pinnacle of that steady rise.
Yet, he remains grounded, crediting his upbringing and the culture instilled by De la Fuente. “When you have a group that truly cares about each other as people, football flows naturally.”
As Sunday’s final approaches, Spain will rely on that unity. For Merino, the message is simple: be a good human first, and the football will take care of itself.