Spain head coach claims Arsenal star 'is on the same level as Pedri and Rodri'

Mikel Merino has scored six goals in his last four appearances for Spain (Getty)

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.

‘He reads opponents and situations superbly. He is a fantastic footballer, on the same level as Pedri, Oyarzabal, Rodri… we have an outstanding squad.’

Mikel Merino netted twice in Spain’s 4-0 win over Bulgaria (Getty)

Merino, meanwhile, revealed after Spain’s victory that he has been working on scoring more goals for Arsenal and his national side.

‘It’s not a coincidence, but you need a little bit of luck to score,’ Merino said.

‘I’ve been wanting to improve this aspect of my game for years and also be more decisive with assists. I hope I can keep this streak going

‘All teams are well prepared physically and technically. When you build up a group of players in a low block, it’s always difficult, but the credit lies in the number of chances we created and in controlling the game from start to finish

‘We have little time left, and the team knows that until everything is finalised, nothing is certain. Now it’s time to focus on the club and keep this momentum going.’