Top 5 players in the bottom half of the Premier League this season

#4 Mikel Merino

Merino has been one of the best signings of the season

The Spaniard has been one positive aspect of Newcastle’s disappointing season so far. Signed from Borussia Dortmund, Merino has seamlessly moved into his new team’s centre midfield.

He has dominated play, dictating passes around the pitch and providing quality cover for his defence. On loan initially, Merino has been terrific value for money. He is the type of player that every side need and sometimes lacks, and his classy style would suit any number of teams in the top half of the Premier League.

Perhaps Arsenal would be the strongest destination, due to their perennial struggles to find a great defensive midfielder but Liverpool could use a player like Merino in the future too

He simply has not put a foot wrong for Newcastle thus far, and his ability deserves a higher platform: Rafael Benitez just does not seem to be receiving the transfer funds needed to properly improve his side, so a move elsewhere in the league may be incoming for Merino.