OPINION
Newcastle United still have four games remaining in the Premier League this season and of course they will be looking to secure a top-10 finish.
However, preparations for next season may already be underway and manager Rafael Benitez needs to start assessing who he wants to keep in his squad.
One player that has endured a fairly turbulent first season in England is Mikel Merino, who made his loan switch from Borussia Dortmund a permanent one back in October.
The central midfielder was a mainstay in the starting XI during the first half of the season and quickly became a fan favourite at St James’ Park.
He is a left-footed ace that operates as a deep-lying playmaker and also has defensive know-how to his game.
However, he has become a fringe man in the second half of the campaign, with teammates Mohamed Diame and Jonjo Shelvey proving unbreakable in the heart of midfield.
The 21-year-old may have endured a frustrating spell in recent months, but he can still have a colossal impact at Newcastle in years to come and he needs to be managed correctly.
Benitez should consider throwing him back into the side in the remaining four league fixtures to give him some confidence going into next year, which could mean switching to a three-man midfield or dropping one of his in-form players.
Spanish news outlet AS previously reported back in March that a summer exit was on the cards for Merino and that Newcastle were considering selling him.
The report detailed that they were open to cashing in on him for £13million, with the likes of Athletic Bilbao, Valencia, Real Betis, Osasuna, Cologne and Hamburg keen on him.
Newcastle need to reassure the Spain Under-21 international that his future lies with them and that the talented central midfielder can force his way back into contention.
He is a technically gifted player that looks well suited to the Premier League and still has his best years ahead of him.