Mikel Merino was not a starting figure in the Spanish national side, but he proved to be as important as any other when he stepped up in the quarter-final clash against Germany. The man who would sign for Arsenal in the same summer leapt to reach a curling cross and head past Manuel Neuer and send La Roja through.
As Arsenal prepare to welcome back their new signing for the first time, there is a growing intrigue about what characteristics the 28-year-old will bring to the team. Yet it is his high-profile contribution to the European Championships which should excite the most.
While the player has a plethora of traits which are behind his signature the aerial threat does stand out. That said, Mikel Arteta certainly feels that there is plenty more beyond this that will be of benefit to the team.
“He’s going to bring firstly an unbelievable football brain,” Arteta said ahead of the Leicester game. “He’s so intelligent, the way he decides to occupy spaces and makes positions, it’s very rare to see that.
“Then a really talented player in every phase - defending, attacking, he can deliver and do things that complement really well with the quality we have in midfield. Physicality for sure, and then he’s a big threat. The moment that he’s in the opponent’s box, you’ll see that he’s a big, big threat.”
Those final words though are most certainly a glimpse at the expectation that Arteta has. There was something of an obsession in him when the pursuit of Merino extended through the window and that determination led of course to the deal happening despite interest from the likes of Barcelona and Atletico Madrid.
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Perhaps however the real winners in this scenario are Declan Rice and Bukayo Saka. As the team’s corner takers, the introduction of Mikel Merino to the team is sure to increase their chances of increasing their assist numbers – maybe one for Fantasy Football players to consider.
Those fans of the numbers will like to know that Merino ranked in the 99th percentile of aerial duels won by midfielders in Europe’s top five leagues. 5.98 aerial duels won per 90 is a figure to keep an eye on over this season as he makes his first steps in the side and gives set-piece coach Nicolas Jover a new weapon to harness.
Merino has already been spotted with the Arsenal team ahead of their game with PSG. Should the Spaniard make his introduction here, a warm welcome at the Emirates Stadium is sure to be what comes next.
