Mikel Merino completed 90 minutes for Newcastle United in their defeat to Brighton – and the club’s supporters were full of praise for him on Twitter.
The 21-year-old has become an instant favourite with fans following his loan move from Borussia Dortmund and has been an ever-present in the starting XI.
However, the central midfielder was unable to inspire his side to a fourth consecutive win as they slipped to a 1-0 loss at the Amex Stadium.
Brighton earned the three points courtesy of a Tomer Hemed strike early in the second-half and they managed to survive a late onslaught from the visitors.
Newcastle fans did find some positive after the defeat on social media and raved about another strong performance from Spaniard Merino.
This Is Futbol has rounded up some of the best tweets:
https://twitter.com/DeveneyNUFC/status/912055595213246464
Merino is the only player in our starting 11 that looks like he's comfortable on the ball, the rest it's like handling a hot potato #nufc
— David Storey (@DStorey89) September 24, 2017
how cool is merino on the ball by the way, controls midfield him and shelvey could be great partnership #NUFC
— Asa Bartlett ???? (@asabart14) September 24, 2017
Merino was the only decent player on the pitch today tbh,fear we may lose him to a bigger club next season knowing how we "operate" #NUFC
— ? R??? ? (@RyanIcardi99) September 24, 2017
https://twitter.com/Hencher7/status/912003764286115840
https://twitter.com/PTNUFC/status/912001980310188033
https://twitter.com/Michael_T19/status/912000342300221440
Unlucky today need to take our chances! Merino again was ? what a player! Still a good start bring on Liverpool #nufc
— Emeka Oko?? (@Eme_Oko) September 24, 2017
Merino has formed a solid partnership alongside Isaac Hayden at St James’ Park and the duo have kept Jonjo Shelvey on the bench in recent weeks.
Merino moved to the North East club on a short-term basis to experience regular first-team action and has made a brilliant start during his first taste in English football.
The central midfielder is recognised for being a technically gifted player and has impressed fans with his ball retention, while also dictating matches from the middle of the park.
He will hope to continue his strong form for Newcastle and is likely to keep his place when his side host Liverpool on Sunday in their next match.