Martin Zubimendi has settled in nicely at Arsenal and has now shown off his quality on international duty with Spain.
Arsenal spent big money over the summer, handing Mikel Arteta a number of significant signings.
Viktor Gyokeres chose a move to Arsenal after becoming a goal machine at Sporting, while Eberechi Eze earned his dream Gunners move, having snubbed Tottenham Hotspur.
Martin Zubimendi also joined Arsenal, completing a much-anticipated move from Real Sociedad.
The Spaniard has made a strong impact in Arsenal’s midfield so far, and has really shown his quality on international duty.
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Zubimendi was named in the starting line-up to face Bulgaria on Thursday night, and he certainly impressed in a 3-0 victory.
SPORT handed Zubimendi an eight out of 10 rating, suggesting that he ‘always performs well’ and provided a strong base for Spain’s midfield.
‘A midfielder who combines everything and always performs well. His assist to Oyarzabal to open the scoring was especially valuable, demonstrating his ability to use his left foot as well. He held the midfield and created a lot of play,’ they wrote.
El Desmarque matched that eight out of 10 rating, praising the Arsenal man for being ‘very confident’ with his passing play in the middle of the pitch.
‘He remains in the starting line-up while waiting for Rodri to be 100% fit and he allowed Spain to open the scoring with a great through ball to Oyarzabal for the 0-1. Always very confident in his passing,’ they wrote.
Mundo Deportivo even suggested that Zubimendi was the real leader of the Spanish side against Bulgaria, and he may even keep Ballon d’Or winner Rodri out of the team moving forward.
‘From the pivot position, he led the team, and everything indicates that he won’t make things easy for Rodri upon his return to the starting line-up,’ they added.
Real Madrid’s loss is Arsenal’s gain
Arsenal fans will love these reviews of Zubimendi’s display, but one Spanish reporter actually felt a sense of disappointment upon seeing his display on Thursday night.
Marca’s Juan Ignacio Garcia-Ochoa reviewed Zubimendi’s performance and stated ‘What Madrid let slip away’.
Real were linked with Zubimendi over the summer as Xabi Alonso considered hijacking Arsenal’s move.
The Gunners managed to secure the deal, leaving Garcia-Ochoa to claim that Zubimendi is ‘doing what seemed impossible’ by perfectly filling in for Rodri.
Zubimendi was hailed as a ‘tremendous’ player, though Garcia-Ochoa wished he had joined Real rather than Arsenal, branding his move to North London ‘painful’.
‘Spain danced to Zubimendi’s rhythm in Sofia, but it was painful to see him arrive at the Las Rozas training camp from London,’ said Garcia-Ochoa.
‘A tremendous player who would have been a godsend for Real Madrid vanished from La Liga to play for Arsenal. Arteta was quicker than Real Madrid, who were hurt by the impasse between Ancelotti and Xabi Alonso.
‘Zubimendi is doing what seemed impossible for the national team: making sure Rodri’s absence goes unnoticed. De la Fuente will have a tough time when the 2024 Ballon d’Or winner is fully recovered, unless he opts for Del Bosque’s 2010 formula with Xabi and Busquets,’ he added.
The Spanish media certainly seem to love what they saw from Zubimendi against Bulgaria, and Arsenal really appear to have landed a significant coup with his signature.