Southampton vs. Newcastle United: Opposition threat

By Luke Harris | Oct 14, 2017

NEWCASTLE UPON TYNE, ENGLAND - OCTOBER 01: Rafael Benitez, Manager of Newcastle United reacts during the Premier League match between Newcastle United and Liverpool at St. James Park on October 1, 2017 in Newcastle upon Tyne, England. (Photo by Stu Forster/Getty Images) /

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NEWCASTLE UPON TYNE, ENGLAND – SEPTEMBER 16: Newcastle player Mikel Merino in action during the Premier League match between Newcastle United and Stoke City at St. James Park on September 16, 2017 in Newcastle upon Tyne, England. (Photo by Stu Forster/Getty Images) /

Mikel Merino

The talented Spaniard arrived on loan from Dortmund and has already signed a permanent in the north of England – so far, it looks like a very good piece of business.

Sitting deep in midfield alongside Isaac Hayden or Jonjo Shelvey he has the freedom to roam and spray passes forwards. He has a 75% pass accuracy in the Premier League and an average of one key pass per game.

He’s also more than capable of doing the defensive dirty work. With an average 3.3 tackles & 1.9 interceptions per game it’s not going to be easy to get past him. The battle between him and Mario Lemina could decide the fate of the game.