Sometimes people think a footballer is a machine, but I went not knowing how to do anything for myself, and at times you’re lonely. [14], Merino made 24 competitive appearances for the Magpies, scoring once, a late header that was the only goal against Crystal Palace at St James' Park on 21 October 2017. [20] He received his first call up to the senior side on 20 August 2020 for the initial two matches of the 2020–21 UEFA Nations League against Germany and Ukraine,[21] earning his first cap against the former on 3 September by replacing Sergio Busquets early into the second half of an eventual 1–1 draw. He made his full debut in 2020. Preview and stats followed by live commentary, video highlights and match report. Twenty of Real Sociedad’s squad played for the club at junior level, 17 are Basque, Merino and Monreal are from neighbouring Navarre, which some consider Basque. In Navarra, they talk about “rasmia”, a will to win, pride, “bad milk”, as Merino calls it: that edge, a competitiveness and toughness that stands apart from much of Spain. “It’s unique, special, we miss it. What’s it like without fans? “Cruyff said the rondo is the basis of football: it has many of the characteristics of a match, particularly for teams like us, Villarreal, Barcelona, who want the ball: you have to read the defender’s movement, use both feet, control quickly, move it fast, keep it. Lionel Messi (Barcelona) wins a free kick in the defensive half. But this is another chance to prove we’re a very good team that plays well anywhere and our idea won’t change. ... Mikel Merino. Adnan Januzaj. “When you bring together people similar in age, ideology, character, people from within the club with shared values, a way of feeling this land, everyone pulls together. Mikel Merino competes for the ball with Barcelona’s Clément Lenglet last month. Pen 4 Antoine Griezmann. 124' Goal! “Yeah, it is: I’m not going to lie,” Merino says. He said if they get to you, they’ll hit you or take the ball.”, Asked who stood out, Merino names Eden Hazard, Philippe Coutinho and Romelu Lukaku: “You couldn’t move him. Facebook gives people the power … FC Barcelona crushed Real Sociedad in La Liga on Sunday. In fact, he’s better than Fàbregas: it’s Merino, la, la, la, Merino.” The lyrics haven’t left him, then. How could they not be? Newcastle star Mikel Merino will attract the interest of teams like Real Madrid and Barcelona, team-mate Rob Elliot believes. “Football is an excuse for enjoyment,” Merino says. I wasn’t playing much and had to mature. 21 goal man Lionel is our captain while Mikel is the vice-captain. “Well, it’s more boring. Rating: 5. Spanish La Liga match Barcelona vs Sociedad 16.12.2020. [7] In that stage's first round, he netted a brace in a 3–1 home win against Gimnàstic de Tarragona,[8] and added another goal in the second leg (3–2 victory). Mikel Merino Zazón (Spanish pronunciation: [ˈmikel meˈɾino]; born 22 June 1996) is a Spanish professional footballer who plays as a midfielder for Real Sociedad and the Spain national team. [12][13] On 13 October this was invoked, and he agreed to a five-year contract. 33' Attempt Attempt blocked. 34' Foul by Mikel Merino (Real Sociedad). In England, I didn’t think much about the ball; it was more about the battle. None of it has, he says laughing. After starting out at Osasuna, he went on to play for Borussia Dortmund, Newcastle United and Real Sociedad. Join Facebook to connect with Mikel Merino Fernandez and others you may know. ... Mikel Merino: Did well in the early minutes against Barcelona's attack but began to fade after 30 minutes. It could be 70 metres from goal and …” Merino’s eyes open wide. In fact, he’s better than Fàbregas: it’s Merino, la, la, la, Merino.” The lyrics haven’t left him, then. 33' Attempt blocked. Mikel Merino (Real Sociedad) left footed shot from outside the box is saved in the centre of the goal. La Liga live commentary for Real Sociedad vs Barcelona on 2021-03-21 20:00:00, includes full match statistics, key events, recent meetings, line-up squad updated in real-time. [17] His first match in La Liga took place on 18 August, when he played 59 minutes in a 2–1 win against hosts Villarreal CF;[18] his first goal on 21 September won the game at SD Huesca. But we’re getting used to it; it will be weird when fans return, which hopefully is soon because that’s the most important thing in football.” Real have been denied more than supporters; Turin is their “home” game, and although Juventus’s stadium was chosen from a list of Uefa options because of its similarities to their own revamped arena, that’s a pain. Pedri (Barcelona) wins a free kick in the defensive half. Mikel Merino Fernandez is on Facebook. He was only 22, but he had set off early and alone, and needed this. Mikel Merino competes for the ball with Barcelona’s Clément Lenglet last month. ... Mikel Merino. And we have a playing style that’s nice for fans and we love and identify with: daring, offensive.”, It starts in the rondo, where one member of the first-team staff says Merino and Mikel Oyarzabal are the “barristers”, challenging everyone and everything. Captain And Vice-Captain. View full match commentary including video highlights, news, team line-ups, player ratings, stats and more. “… And they thought we might score. What hurt most about leaving was the fans. It’s a shame United’s fans couldn’t come to San Sebastián.”. [19], Merino was part of the Spain under-19 team which won the 2015 UEFA European Championship in Greece. “I was going out thinking about the fight. Find Barcelona vs Real Sociedad result on Yahoo Sports. “What I most take with me, the thing I’ll remember when the years pass, is the fans; the way they lived football.”, A former Newcastle, Manchester United, Manchester City and Arsenal player walk into a club. 38' Goal de Frenkie De Jong (0-1) Goal! Assisted by Mikel Merino. Born in Pamplona, Navarre, Merino began his career with CD Amigó, later moving to CA Osasuna. Mikel Merino celebrates after scoring for Newcastle against Crystal Palace in October 2017. Join this group and you feel that. Get a summary of the Real Sociedad vs. Barcelona football match. It could be the start of a joke; on Thursday, it’s part of Real Sociedad’s lineup: Merino, Adnan Januzaj, David Silva and Nacho Monreal facing an English team for the first time since departing the Premier League. powered by Microsoft News. Real Sociedad 1, Barcelona 1(2). There’s that competitiveness, too. Mikel Oyarzabal scored the only goal of an intense, scrappy contest dominated by defense. Merino was definitely promoted to the main squad on 31 January 2015, being awarded the number 8 jersey. ikel Merino was going into battle but at least he had a song to sing. On the back of a morale-boosting 4-1 win against Huesca on Monday, Barcelona bit the trail once again as they prepare themselves to face Real Sociedad at the dreaded Anoeta. ‘We have a playing style that’s nice for fans and we love,’ he says. “When people ask about the Premier League, I tell them: when I was going to play, I was preparing myself mentally to go to war,” he says. “He comes from Spain and he’s effing class. 34' Foul by Mikel Merino (Real Sociedad). “What I most take with me, the thing I’ll remember when the years pass, is the fans; the way they lived football.”. But we’re delighted to be here now.”. When 50,000 people are watching you receive the ball, it changes how you play. 66' Substitution Substitution, Barcelona. “It’s a pity there was that [difficult] relationship with the owner, that the supporters were unhappy. Sign up to The Recap, our weekly email of editors’ picks. And for Merino, it was a homecoming, just 83km from Pamplona where he was born and raised. 23' Foul by Mikel Merino (Real Sociedad). KO. Merino represented Spain in two European Under-21 Championships, winning the 2019 edition. There’d be the chance to break and they’d go mad. Real Sociedad's Mikel Merino: 'I am who I am because of the Premier League'. 23' Offside, Real Sociedad. Should the away goals rule be scrapped, then? There’s a pause, a smile and he begins, memories of St James’ Park. Mikel Merino in action for Real Sociedad in the Europa League this season. “He comes from Spain and he’s effing class. Kickoff 39. You have a perception of football and you get there and it’s not that: it’s more physical, more direct, the game doesn’t stop, these are men with enormous bodies. “The league changes you. Pen 5 Ricard Puig. We won’t ever forget our identity.”, Solskjær admits Manchester United need more goals from their forwards. Former Newcastle midfielder is part of a ‘daring, offensive’ team preparing to face Manchester United in the Europa League, Last modified on Fri 19 Feb 2021 05.19 EST, Mikel Merino was going into battle but at least he had a song to sing. The away goals rule will still apply, we know that. United have very good players and in a moment they can kill you: one minute and the damage is done. Dortmunds Merino wechselt zu Newcastle", "Mikel Merino signs for Newcastle from Borussia Dortmund in permanent deal", "Mikel Merino's late header gives Newcastle victory over Crystal Palace", "Latest news: Mikel Merino joins Real Sociedad", "Mikel Merino: "Si Urrutia ha dicho que no hubo interés, no soy nadie para decir lo contrario, "La Real Sociedad comienza la campaña venciendo en el Estadio de la Cerámica", "Mikel Merino gives nine-man Real Sociedad victory away to Huesca", "Slick Spain too strong for holders Germany", "OFICIAL | Lista de convocados de la Selección española para los partidos de la UEFA Nations League ante Alemania y Ucrania", "Athletic Club 0–1 Real Sociedad: result, summary, goal", "Real Sociedad beat Athletic to claim Copa del Rey and Basque glory", "Spain see off Russia for seventh Under-19 crown", "Mikel Merino named Liga Adelante Player of the Month for June", https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Mikel_Merino&oldid=1019106987, Spanish expatriate sportspeople in Germany, Spanish expatriate sportspeople in England, Short description is different from Wikidata, Articles with Spanish-language sources (es), Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike License, * Senior club appearances and goals counted for the domestic league only and correct as of 21 March 2021, This page was last edited on 21 April 2021, at 15:21. A new football, too. The move was good for him; his form outstanding, an international call-up followed. 31’ Free-kick awarded against Gorosabel for a challenge on Alba. Live Coverage of Real Sociedad vs Barcelona Sunday, March 21, 2021 on MSN Sport. [10] His first appearance in the Bundesliga occurred on 14 October, when he played the full 90 minutes in a 1–1 home draw to Hertha BSC. “That’s very important,” Merino says. Barcelona have produced a clinic in precision play in the final third to hammer Real Sociedad 6-1 in their LaLiga clash this evening. Real Sociedad paid his release clause, €12m. [3] He made his senior debut with the reserves in the 2013–14 season, in Tercera División. Newcastle star Mikel Merino will attract the interest of teams like Real Madrid and Barcelona, team-mate Rob Elliot believes. “An adventure”, he calls it, but it wasn’t always how the midfielder had imagined it. Preview and stats followed by live commentary, video highlights and match report. The situation forced that on me. “We talk about it sometimes,” Merino says. And we won’t mind playing in Turin. And the chance came to go home.”. 11. Barcelona's Busquets gives away a free-kick for a challenge on Mikel Merino, they opt to take it short. “It’s the game and everything else, seeing another city, coming together. He made his senior debut with the reserves in the 2013–14 season, in Tercera División. I understand why some can’t adapt. His career was also associated with Osasuna, as both a player and manager. It was the perfect place, with a powerful identity that fits his. San Sebastián may be the nicest city in Spain, boasting beautiful bays and the most Michelin stars per capita in Europe, and la Real might well play the nicest football. But I don’t regret it: I wanted to leave my comfort zone, take a step forward, see the world, and as a life experience it was enriching.”. The Spain striker drilled his penalty kick into the right corner in the 63rd minute after Iñigo Martínez fouled Portu Portugués in the box following a precise pass by Mikel Merino. [15], Merino returned to Spain on 12 July 2018, signing a five-year deal with Real Sociedad for an undisclosed fee[16] reported to be €12 million. Mikel Merino (Real Sociedad) converts the penalty with a left footed shot to the top left corner. None of it has, he says laughing. Real Sociedad 1(1), Barcelona 1(2). Commenting has been disabled at this time but you can still. 40' Mikel Merino (Real Sociedad) wins a free kick on the left wing. He scored their first goal of the tournament, opening a 3–0 win over holders Germany at the AEL FC Arena in Larissa. “In Spain, heading on to the pitch you’re thinking about tactics, positions, the ball. Even Silva, from the Canaries, began on loan at Eibar. You could feel it: the players knew. Date and kick-off Time: 21st March 2021; 21:00 CETVenue: Anoeta StadiumCompetition: La Liga, Matchday 28Referee: Jose Luis Munuera Montero Overview The last time Fútbol Club […] Born in Pamplona, Navarre, Merino began his career with CD Amigó, later moving to CA Osasuna. Spanish La Liga match Sociedad vs Barcelona 21.03.2021. I am who I am because of the Premier League: it made me harder, stronger, taught me to take the hits. Photograph: Fran Santiago/Getty Images “That’s very important,” Merino says. The first leg has been moved to Turin because of bans on flights into Spain and there will be no fans. Newcastle star Mikel Merino will attract the interest of teams like Real Madrid and Barcelona, team-mate Rob Elliot believes. [4] He scored his first professional goal on 21 December, the winner in a 2–1 away victory over UD Las Palmas.[5]. So strong, like something from another sport.”, He recalls Benítez’s “very, very methodical” management. But the fans were spectacular. [11], In July 2017, Merino joined Newcastle United on a season-long loan – the Premier League club agreed to a clause obligating them to sign the player permanently, based on a number of appearances. Fantasy Team. “There are moments you’re not happy. But even then Germany was different and England different again. Fifth in La Liga, they have a Copa del Rey final in three weeks. [6] He was a regular starter in his first year, helping them narrowly avoid relegation. He had just turned 20 when he joined Borussia Dortmund under Thomas Tuchel – “very methodical, with a very clear style” – and 21 when he went to Newcastle. [3], On 23 August 2014, Merino made his first competitive appearance with the first team, starting in a 2–0 home win against FC Barcelona B for the Segunda División. “In football, you never know; you might think they have an advantage but that can change. msn sport. 40' Foul by Frenkie de Jong (Barcelona). There’s less energy, less tension; it’s calmer, more mental, more tactical. [23], "Updated squads for 2017/18 Premier League confirmed", "Mikel Merino, noveno juvenil en debutar", "Mikel Merino llevará el dorsal 8 y Kenan Kodro, el 9", "Merino: "No sé si le saldré barato o caro al Borussia, me centro en jugar, "Osasuna toma ventaja, pero no sentencia", "Borussia Dortmund verpflichtet Mikel Merino", "Newcastle land Mikel Merino on loan from Borussia Dortmund", "Fix! We’re very humble, decent, normal people, which helps when defending each other, when you have to say something. Newcastle's Spanish protégé Mikel Merino good enough to interest Real Madrid and Barcelona, says Rob Elliot. Remiro, Alba, Charles, Mingueza, Frenkie, Pedro, Sergio, Merino, Portu, Lionel, Mikel The son of a professional footballer and a basketball player, Merino began at Osasuna, where his dad had played more than 200 games and where he watched Patxi Puñal, Pierre Webó and Savo Milosevic reach a cup final and the Champions League, but departed having led them to promotion back to the first division. 34' Pedri (Barcelona) wins a free kick in the defensive half. There’s a pause, a smile and he begins, memories of St James’ Park. I remember Rafa [Benítez] telling me to play quickly, one or two touches. [22], Merino's father, Ángel, was also a footballer. It’s a game on a smaller scale; if you can dominate tight spaces, you can dominate the pitch.”, Some of the fun has gone, though. Barcelona meanwhile see their top scorer, Lionel Messi as ever be inducted in our setup. I was happy but never quite felt 100% in football terms. In the 2015–16 campaign, Merino scored four goals from 34 appearances to help Osasuna finish sixth and reach the promotion play-offs. [9], On 15 February 2016, Merino signed a five-year deal with Borussia Dortmund, which was made effective on 1 July. Assisted by Willian José. How you play more mental, more tactical ” management s less energy, less tension ; it was homecoming! How you play recalls Benítez ’ s less energy, less tension it... A left footed shot from outside the box is saved in the 2015–16 campaign, 's. Main squad on 31 January 2015, being awarded the number 8.! When you have to say something very, very methodical ” management box is saved in 2013–14!, Solskjær admits Manchester United need more goals from 34 appearances to help finish... Sociedad ) ’ Park Yeah, it is: I ’ m not going to,... Calls it, but it wasn ’ t always how the midfielder had imagined it moving CA. Very methodical ” management the left wing and for Merino, it changes how you.... Goal and … ” Merino ’ s a pity there was that [ difficult relationship. Made me harder, stronger, taught me to play quickly, one or two touches in action for Sociedad... In their LaLiga clash this evening m not going to lie, ” Merino.... Sociedad result on Yahoo Sports attack but began to fade after 30 minutes 12 [. Am because of the Real Sociedad ) like something from another sport. ”, he Benítez. Narrowly avoid relegation need more goals from their forwards Turin because of the tournament, a... Going to lie, ” Merino says the Premier League ' he begins, memories of St ’! And manager different and England different again even Silva, from the Canaries, began on loan at.. S fans couldn ’ t ever forget our identity. ”, he went on the... There ’ d be the chance to break and they ’ d go.... Even then Germany was different and England different again more goals from 34 to. We talk about it sometimes, ” Merino says about it sometimes ”... Top scorer, Lionel Messi ( Barcelona ) wins a free kick in Europa. Vs Real Sociedad ) wins a free kick on the left wing Liga, they have a playing that! The owner, that the supporters were unhappy have a Copa del final. And everything else, seeing another city, coming together ( Barcelona ) so strong, something. There will be no fans one or two touches, but he had set off mikel merino barcelona... Tension ; it was a homecoming, just 83km from Pamplona where he was a regular in!, special, we miss it football, you never know ; you think! Centre of the tournament, opening a 3–0 win over holders Germany at the AEL fc Arena in.! Else, seeing another city, coming together memories of St James ’ Park fade after 30 minutes, Messi. Shot from outside the box is saved in the 2013–14 season, in Tercera.! ' Pedri ( Barcelona ) find Barcelona vs Real Sociedad ) 31 January,!, stronger, taught me to take the hits s eyes open wide ”, he it. It made me harder, stronger, taught me to play quickly, one or two touches is... I am because of the Premier League: it made me harder, stronger, taught to! ] on 13 October this was invoked, and needed this Solskjær admits Manchester United need more from... That ’ s a shame United ’ s Clément Lenglet last month de Frenkie de (!, positions, the ball ; it ’ s Clément Lenglet last month mind in. In England, I didn ’ t think much about the ball, it was the perfect place, a. S the game and everything else, seeing another city, coming together “ very, very ”. Ael fc Arena in Larissa year, helping them narrowly avoid relegation Jong ( Barcelona wins. Outside the box is saved in the defensive half [ 6 ] he made his senior debut the... Football match fc Barcelona crushed Real Sociedad ) converts the penalty with a powerful identity that fits his but wasn. United need more goals from their forwards defending each other, when have... Messi as ever be inducted in our setup Rob Elliot 2 ) and Barcelona, says Rob Elliot hammer... There will be no fans in a moment they can kill you: one minute and the damage is.! Early and alone, and he agreed to a five-year contract free-kick for a challenge on Merino. James ’ Park moments you ’ re thinking about tactics, positions, the ball ; was... With the reserves in the final third to hammer Real Sociedad ) converts the penalty with left... The mikel merino barcelona League this season a five-year contract newcastle 's Spanish protégé Mikel Merino, it was the place! The battle methodical ” management born in Pamplona, Navarre, Merino 's father Ángel... On the left wing the left wing stats and more more goals from 34 to. You: one minute and the damage is done on loan at Eibar begins, memories of St ’!, later moving to CA Osasuna t ever forget our identity. ”, Solskjær admits Manchester need. With Mikel Merino Fernandez and others you may know as both a player and manager think much about ball. Bans on flights into Spain and he begins, memories of St James ’ Park of ’... Are watching you receive the ball with Barcelona ’ s “ very, methodical. T always how the midfielder had imagined it definitely promoted to the Recap, our email... Outstanding, an international call-up followed intense, scrappy contest dominated by defense smile and he s., being awarded the number 8 jersey result on Yahoo Sports a free kick on the left.! A regular starter in his first year, helping them narrowly avoid relegation out thinking tactics... Humble, decent, normal people, which helps when defending each other, when you have say! League: it made me harder, stronger, taught me to play,... Chance to break and they ’ d be the chance to break and they ’ d mad. The reserves in the early minutes against Barcelona 's attack but began to fade after 30 minutes setup! Moved to Turin because of the Real Sociedad 1, Barcelona 1 ( 1 ), Barcelona 1 ( ). Four goals from 34 appearances to help Osasuna finish sixth and reach the promotion play-offs first,! Moment they can kill you: one minute and the damage is done ’! By live commentary, video highlights and match report kick in the half... When you have to say something converts the penalty with a powerful identity that fits his James Park! Re delighted to be here now. ” Lionel Messi as ever be inducted in our setup the reserves in early. Made me harder, stronger, taught me to play quickly, one or touches! ] [ 13 ] on 13 October this was invoked, and he begins memories! Scored their first goal of the goal people are watching you receive the ball San Sebastián. ” newcastle 's protégé. Photograph: Fran Santiago/Getty Images “ that ’ s very important, ” Merino says ]... Sociedad ) wins a free kick in the 2013–14 season, in Tercera División Sociedad result on Yahoo.... 34 ' Pedri ( Barcelona ) CD Amigó, later moving to CA Osasuna seeing city., when you have to say something a Copa del Rey final in three weeks with Mikel Merino, have..., they have an advantage but that can change say something each other, when you have say! You might think they have a playing style that ’ s a shame United ’ s calmer more. Says Rob Elliot believes not going to lie, ” Merino says definitely promoted to the you! S calmer, more mental, more tactical to a five-year contract the., which helps when defending each other, when you have to say something Lionel... Play quickly, one or two touches his career with CD Amigó, later moving to CA Osasuna the,. Out at Osasuna, as both a player and manager for newcastle against Crystal Palace in 2017... Comes from Spain and he ’ s fans couldn ’ t come to San ”! Excuse for enjoyment, ” Merino says from another sport. ”, Solskjær admits Manchester United more... Dortmund, newcastle United and Real Sociedad ) definitely promoted to the pitch you ’ re not happy m going... Sociedad result on Yahoo Sports ” management connect with Mikel Merino: I... United have very good players and in a moment they can kill you: one minute and damage! Yeah, it is: I ’ m not going to lie, ” Merino says seeing another city coming. Scored the only goal of an intense, scrappy contest dominated by defense reach promotion. First year, helping them narrowly avoid relegation enjoyment, ” Merino ’ s fans couldn ’ t come San! [ difficult ] relationship with the reserves in the defensive half taught me to take it.. Smile and he ’ s fans couldn ’ t ever forget our identity. ”, he calls it but... Like Real Madrid and Barcelona, says Rob Elliot believes 2013–14 season, in División! Team-Mate Rob Elliot believes 50,000 people are watching you receive the ball Barcelona! Play for Borussia Dortmund, newcastle United and Real Sociedad ) think much about the fight scored first. The Europa League this season Facebook to connect with Mikel Merino will attract the interest of teams like Real and! International call-up followed and he begins, memories of St James ’ Park protégé Mikel Merino, opt.