Delfina Merino’s deadly striking skills in the opponents’ circle will be a huge factor if Argentina’s long-cherished dream of winning the Women’s Olympic gold medal is to be realized.

Merino’s predatory instincts in the rival circle which has yielded close on 100 goals from nearly 300 internationals will make Las Leonas a team to fear at the 2020 Tokyo Olympics.

She packs a mighty wallop with the backhander and her energy and enthusiasm upfront is expected to go a long way as Argentina attempt to lay their hands on the elusive prize.

Merino took to hockey at five, inspired by her parents who played the game. Her brother Gonzalo is also an international which makes hers a hockey family.

She also was inspired by the Argentine women’s team which won silver at the 2000 Sydney Olympics and recalls staying awake in the middle of the night to watch Las Leonas play.

She eventually won her senior international cap in 2009 after outstanding success with the junior team and realized her dream of playing alongside the legendary Luciana Aymar.

Merino, 31, has a World Cup gold medal from Rosario 2010. That goes with silver from the 2012 London Olympics and bronze at the 2014 World Cup in The Hague, The Netherlands.

She has three more gold medals won at the Pan American Cup and two silver from the Pan American Games.

Merino has also helped Argentina win five Champions Trophy titles and the 2014-15 World League. Her performances brought her the FIH Player of the Year award for 2017.

Merino plays for Stichtsche Hockey and Cricket Club in the Netherlands. In the past, she turned out often for her beloved home club Banco Provincia in Buenos Aires.