Mikel Merino might not start in Spain's World Cup final against Argentina on October 28, but he could very well be the game-changer. The 30-year-old midfielder, who transitioned from a hard-working squad player at Real Sociedad to a clutch forward option at Arsenal, has shown remarkable scoring ability off the bench.

In his last 131 appearances for Sociedad, Merino netted 15 goals. However, he has matched this tally in only two seasons with the Gunners, scoring another 12 goals for Spain, with 10 of those coming in his last 19 caps. This stark improvement highlights his evolution into a key player for both club and country.

Merino made history this tournament by becoming the first player to score multiple knockout stage game-winners as a substitute, achieving this in a mere 148 minutes of play. His 50% conversion rate and impressive averages—scoring every 3.5 touches in the penalty area—underscore his effectiveness.

Despite facing injuries that nearly kept him out of the tournament, Merino embraces his super-sub role, stating, "Coming from the bench isn’t the ideal plan... but I have complete belief in myself."

With past trophies including the Euro 2024 and the Premier League title, Merino now aims to add a World Cup to his accolades. If he can leverage his bench-warming insights to make a significant impact late in the match, he could transform from a supporting player into a leading figure, even entering the Ballon d’Or conversation. In a final that features stars like Lionel Messi, Merino's potential heroics could become one of the tournament's most memorable stories.