After scoring match-winning goals as a substitute in two consecutive World Cup knockout games, Mikel Merino gave an exclusive interview to Marca, talking about his elite game-reading ability, family support, and Spain’s upcoming semi-final opponent France.
Reporter: After the game against Belgium, the camera focused on you, and you said: “It’s absolutely incredible.”
Mikel Merino: Yes, that is the best way to describe that moment, both for me and my family.
Reporter: You have only played a total of 9 minutes across the last two matches, with just two touches inside the box, yet you scored two goals…
Mikel Merino: That’s why I said the other day that people should not take this for granted. It is extremely difficult to achieve such high efficiency.
Reporter: How do you always instinctively position yourself perfectly in crucial areas?
Mikel Merino: Honestly, I do not know whether sensing goal-scoring chances in the box requires special talent. What I do is stay focused at all times. When many players tend to lose concentration slightly, I try to prepare two steps ahead, anticipating opponent mistakes or loose balls. In the penalty area, those tiny margins of a few centimeters are often decisive.
Reporter: That was exactly how you scored against Portugal. You quickly got up after a foul, took a quick free kick, and surged forward…
Mikel Merino: It was actually counter-intuitive. Most players would choose to hold possession first, then cross the ball into the box to create chaos late in the 90th minute. However, I noticed we had a numerical advantage. Bernardo Silva was still protesting to the referee and not paying attention to the ball. That’s why I took the quick free kick and caught them completely off guard.
Reporter: You perform brilliantly in limited substitute minutes. Do you hope to start games?
Mikel Merino: Every player wants more game time when they are on the bench. My father used to be a coach, and I always try to be rational. I fully understand the manager always makes decisions for the team’s best interests. If Luis de la Fuente believes bringing me off the bench benefits the squad most, I will accept it, even if it is not my personal preference. Being upset solves nothing. I am always the last player to be substituted on. There is no point in being angry. I simply tell myself: “If I get five minutes, I will make the most of those five minutes.”
Reporter: We have interviewed many players and coaches in your position, and they all reach the same conclusion: you are the most intelligent player on the pitch.
Mikel Merino: I cannot say I am the smartest, but I strive to make intelligence my core advantage, because thinking costs nothing. I constantly study match scenarios and learn from those around me. By mastering positioning and movement, I can create huge on-field impact with minimal physical exertion. I do not possess Kylian Mbappé’s explosive pace, so I have to find my own way to influence games — by thinking one step further than everyone else.
Reporter: Up next is France, arguably the in-form team of this World Cup. How will you tackle this tough opponent?
Mikel Merino: We need to deliver a top-level performance, stick to our own style, control the game rhythm, and dominate crucial moments. This fixture will feature countless individual duels, and French players boast exceptional personal quality. Any of them can create decisive chances with a single touch. Everyone must stay fully focused and fulfill their duties in every second of the game.
Reporter: Do you want the public to regard France as the clear favourites? Considering their form, alongside star players like Mbappé and Barcola…
Mikel Merino: I have said it many times — favourites mean little to me. I understand why people label France as favourites due to their outstanding tournament performances. However, this World Cup has proven that no team can claim easy victories, no matter how highly favoured they are. Our tough clash with Cape Verde serves as perfect proof. Every World Cup game is fiercely contested. This upcoming semi-final will be a closely matched and spectacular battle.
