Spain head coach Luis de la Fuente believes Arsenal midfielder Mikel Merino is on the same level as Rodri and Pedri after his side’s 4-0 win over Bulgaria on Tuesday night.

Merino scored twice in the victory at the Jose Zorrilla Stadium which has put Spain within touching of securing a place at the World Cup next summer.

The Arsenal midfielder has now scored six goals in his last four games for Spain, while only Erling Haaland and Memphis Depay have found the net more times during the World Cup qualifying campaign for UEFA nations.

‘He is an exceptionally complete player with great adaptability,’ De la Fuente said of Merino after Spain’s win against Bulgaria.

‘There are few players as versatile as him, and it is a privilege to have him with us.

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