Ole Gunnar Solskjaer is and will remain a legend on the ball island for his exceptional flair and precision for match-deciding goals as a super reserve. So when English journalists describe the football greatness of Mikel Merino, they have to point out the biggest super reserve of them all.
Mikel Merino was behind two late goals in the 2026 World Cup – and not just any goals. Match-deciding goal in the 1-0 win against Portugal in the round of 8, in the 90th+1st minute. Match-deciding goal in the 2-1 win against Belgium in the quarter-finals, this in the 88th minute. minutes.
READ: Gareth Southgate can finally return to football
(It is part of the story that Merino could do the same in the final against Argentina, but missed badly on a header. Spain still took the World Cup title)
The Daily Mail reported that Arsenal player Merino in England is being compared to Manchester United icon Ole Gunnar Solskjaer.
The website justarsenal draws the comparison:
“Solskjaer earned a reputation as the little assassin throughout his playing career. More importantly, he became known for scoring crucial late goals, especially after coming off the bench as a substitute, making him one of football’s most effective players.”
Read on F7: Finally a description of how fantastically good captain Martin Ødegaard is
“He scored a number of important goals in that way during his time with Manchester United. His most memorable contribution came in the 1999 Champions League final, when he scored the winning goal that broke Bayern Munich’s hearts and secured one of the most dramatic victories in the club’s history.”
“Solskjaer remains a legendary figure in the sport, and Merino is now building a reputation of his own through his ability to score crucial late goals for Spain at the 2026 World Cup.”
Read on Radiosporten: Another Premier League club needs Ørjan Nyland
We can well tolerate the comparison with Ole “one of football’s most effective players” Solskjaer.
