Merino told Marca: "Many times these campaigns, unfortunately, are necessary for these awards. Rodri is lucky, or unlucky, to be a player with great humility, but he still doesn't make headlines like Haaland and Mbapp do... But his level is very high.
"He won it all last year and playing at a level to get into this conversation. From my point of view, since I know what it's like to play in midfield, how difficult it is and the pressure you have, I know that he deserves all the praise possible.
"We know each other very well. And our families too for years. We have a good relationship. I think we understand each other well on the field. For me, from that second height, having him behind me gives me a lot of security. He is someone with whom I understand very well. We perform very similar functions on a defensive and offensive level. It is a joy to play alongside him, a luxury."