I'd rather not predict Merino will pull up trees. What I'm expecting from him is maturity and confidence, footballing aggression and a properly cultivated, Swiss Army knife skillset which allows him to contribute in different ways. Those raking forward passes on the highlights reel will be turnovers in real matches ... it's more his energy, mobility and strength in duels that will be an asset.
Very glad he's had that stint in Newcastle already so he knows the league fairly well. This will be a great transfer if he stays rolling, doesn't mind being benched sometimes, and works out a bit better than 22–23 Xhaka for two or three seasons.
