India, July 7 -- Mikel Merino spent several weeks injured earlier in the season, but his versatility has been vital in building up momentum that led to Arsenal winning the Premier League after 22 years. As Spain repeatedly came up short in their bid to prise open the Portugal defence, manager Luis de la Fuente sent in the tall midfielder as an 85th minute substitute.

Merino would perhaps have been a sure starter but for the re-build post injury, although he is a dangerous presence in the rival penalty box. Arsenal's Mikel Arteta says his substitutes are more "finishers", and Merino aptly fits that description.

His strike in the first minute of added time sent Spain into the quarter-final (versus Belgium or USA) and sent Portugal out of ...