Paul Merson is a real-life English former professional footballer, manager, commentator, and sports television pundit for Sky Sports who appears in the Apple TV+ series, Ted Lasso. He works on Gillette Soccer Saturday in the series, alongside Chris Kamara, George Cartrick, and the host of the show Jeff Stelling.
He appears in the newest season, replacing Chris Kamara who is absent, when Zava joins AFC Richmond and scores a goal the second the match begins against Wolverhampton Wanderers F.C., everyone feels that the club's luck is about to change. It culminates when Richmond is up against Manchester United F.C., and Zava manages to pull up a hat trick and brings the team into their first ever victory against the giant of football club. The new player scores goal every time they are up against their toughest opponents, and their winning streaks brings Richmond to the top 5 ranking of the season.
Jeff asks George whether Ted is such a good coach, but he answers that Richmond is just lucky for having Zava. He praises Nathan Shelley instead who manages to bring great strategy within West Ham United F.C., forgetting the fact that Nate used to be his kit man during his tenure in Richmond. Paul agrees that Nathan's coaching is better and he likes West Ham than Richmond, however he loves Zava more. The panelists agree and laughs from his candid statement.