Mikel Merino is unlikely to start the World Cup final for Spain against Argentina, yet his impact from the bench could prove decisive.
The 30-year-old joined Arsenal from Real Sociedad as a hard-working midfield squad player but has since developed into a reliable late-game attacking threat.
Merino scored 15 goals in 131 appearances for Sociedad, yet has matched that total in roughly half as many games across two seasons with Arsenal.
His record for Spain shows an even sharper contrast: of his 12 international goals, ten have come in his last 19 caps after just two in his first 31 appearances.
At this World Cup, Merino has scored two match-winning goals as a substitute in the knockout stage, becoming the first player to do so in the tournament's history.
He is also the first player in 60 years to score two knockout-stage winners after the 87th minute.
Merino has needed just 148 minutes of playing time to make that impact, with only five Spain squad members seeing less action at the tournament.
His efficiency is striking: two goals from four shots, a 50% conversion rate, and a goal for every 3.5 touches in the penalty area.
Merino nearly missed the World Cup after a injury-hit second half of the Arsenal season kept him out for an extended period.
He has embraced the super-sub role, stating that joining a strong national team means valuing every opportunity to contribute.
Merino said he believes in his ability to influence games whenever he enters the pitch and hopes any Spain player can be the hero in the final.
The midfielder-turned-forward has collected silverware at a rapid pace, winning Euro 2024 with Spain and the Premier League with Arsenal this season.
A World Cup title would add to a remarkable late-career surge for a player once known as a steady midfielder.
Having returned from a serious injury in time for the tournament, Merino's transformation into a clutch substitute is among the stories of the competition.
If he repeats his impact against Argentina, he could shift the narrative of the final and enter discussion for the year's top individual honours.
