Mikel Merino starred for Spain’s Under-21s side on Tuesday night – and Newcastle United fans were raving about their midfielder on Twitter.
The 21-year-old scored one and assisted another as Spain cruised past Slovakia 4-1 in a European Under-21 Championship qualifier.
He opened the scoring with an effort inside the penalty area on his weaker right foot that fired into the the roof of the net.
Merino is a highly-rated talent that has become a regular for the Spanish Under-21s side and is being tipped for a bright future.
The central midfielder has made a great start to life in the Premier League following his loan move to St James’ Park from Borussia Dortmund and is recognised for being technically excellent.
Newcastle fans on social media were delighted with a star performance from Merino and one even claimed he will be worth £50million in the future.
This Is Futbol has rounded up some of the best tweets:
https://twitter.com/MGCOACHSALES/status/917854828340170757
https://twitter.com/Nufc_22/status/917997405492142080
Hell of a hit from Merino, with his weaker foot.. #NUFC https://t.co/T5J3cal5pu
— allez les chapardeurs ??? (@ABientotTiote) October 10, 2017
See that Merino lad scored for Spain young'uns again…… #NUFC #SpainU21 #Baller ???
— Graeme Brash (@Brashmeister81) October 10, 2017
https://twitter.com/Deano_B1985/status/917857338559778817
https://twitter.com/ChrisMc1892/status/917905725741060098
we've got some quality.. I don't think we'll have him long but he's the kind of player you can build a team around & he's gonna get better
— Phill Wilkas (@phillwilkinson) October 10, 2017
Merino has become an ever-present in the Magpies midfield since his arrival and has hit the ground running in England.
He is yet to open his account for Newcastle since his summer move, but has shown he is more than capable in front of goal for the national side.
The Spaniard has played a disciplined role in the middle of the park where he has helped break up play and dictate the ball with his excellent range of passing.
Merino should go into the weekend in good spirits and is likely to be included in Rafael Benitez’s side when they travel to Southampton in the Premier League.