Being one of the best players in your position does not always guarantee a place in the team.
Martin Zubimendi is living through that contradiction with Spain.
The Arsenal midfielder has arrived at the World Cup as a Premier League champion and one of Europe’s most respected midfielders. Yet Spain’s strength has reduced him to a supporting role during their run to the semi-finals.
Mikel Merino has experienced a different tournament. His minutes have also been limited, but his impact could hardly have been greater.
Merino scored late winners against Portugal and Belgium after coming from the bench. Those goals carried Spain through two knockout rounds and into Tuesday’s semi-final against France in Dallas.
According to Sky Sports’ analysis of Merino’s remarkable tournament, he is the first player in World Cup history to score match-winning goals as a substitute in separate knockout ties.
Spain now have a genuine selection decision. Merino has delivered when Luis de la Fuente needed him most, while Zubimendi continues to wait behind an outstanding group of midfielders.
Merino has forced his way into Spain’s selection debate
Merino’s World Cup began with uncertainty following a difficult recovery from the fractured foot he suffered while playing for Arsenal in January.
He returned to full training in May and travelled to the tournament without much competitive rhythm.
His role has gradually become clearer. De la Fuente has used him when Spain need greater physical presence, late runs into the penalty area and another aerial threat.
The approach has produced two decisive moments.
Merino struck in stoppage time to eliminate Portugal in the last 16. Four days later, he entered against Belgium in the 86th minute and scored the winner two minutes later.
Arsenal confirmed that his latest goal sent Spain into the semi-finals, continuing a tournament in which his influence has far exceeded his playing time.
Calls for Merino to start against France are understandable. Spain have not produced their most fluent football during the knockout rounds, and his timing around the penalty area offers something different.
De la Fuente must decide whether to reward his form or preserve the role in which he has been so effective.
Starting Merino could strengthen Spain physically against France. Keeping him on the bench would retain the competition’s most dangerous late substitute.
Zubimendi remains trapped behind Rodri
Merino’s emergence has made Zubimendi’s position even more difficult.
The 27-year-old was an unused substitute against Belgium and remains behind Rodri for the holding-midfield role. Pedri, Dani Olmo and Merino provide further competition when Spain alter their midfield structure.
Zubimendi’s lack of minutes does not reflect a loss of reputation.
He remains central to Mikel Arteta’s Arsenal side and played a major role in their Premier League title win. His intelligence in possession and ability to control transitions have made him one of the club’s most important players.
International football offers less space for patience. Rodri remains Spain’s captain and first-choice defensive midfielder, limiting Zubimendi’s route into the team.
ReadArsenal previously noted how Zubimendi and Raya were waiting for opportunities while Merino continued to collect minutes.
Zubimendi could still be required against France. Spain may need greater control if the game stretches, while his passing could help them play through an aggressive press.
For now, one of Arsenal’s leading players remains one of Spain’s most accomplished reserves.
Raya faces the same problem in goal
David Raya’s situation follows a similar pattern.
The Arsenal goalkeeper entered the tournament after winning a third successive Premier League Golden Glove. He kept 19 league clean sheets last season and remains a central part of Arteta’s build-up structure.
Unai Simon still holds Spain’s number one shirt.
De la Fuente retained the Athletic Club goalkeeper after Euro 2024, leaving Raya waiting for an injury or major loss of form to open the door.
The decision highlights Spain’s depth. Raya and Zubimendi have arrived as title winners at club level but cannot displace players trusted throughout De la Fuente’s successful international cycle.
ReadArsenal’s World Cup semi-final update confirmed that Merino, Raya and Zubimendi remain involved, while William Saliba represents France on the other side.
Arsenal are therefore guaranteed to have at least one player in the final.
Arsenal’s reserves could still decide the semi-final
France against Spain has already been described as a final before the final.
Spain will expect Rodri and Simon to retain their places. Merino presents the more complicated selection issue after deciding two consecutive knockout matches.
His tournament also offers a useful reminder about international football.
Players do not need to start every game to shape a competition. Merino has spent much of the World Cup on the bench and still become one of Spain’s central figures.
Zubimendi and Raya must remain ready for the same opportunity.
One injury, tactical adjustment or difficult passage against France could bring either Arsenal player into the semi-final.
Merino has already shown what can happen when a reserve is given only a few minutes.
Spain’s depth has kept three Premier League champions competing for limited roles. One of them has still found a way to become their World Cup hero.
