Martin Zubimendi, Arsenal's Mainstay and Real Madrid's Fantasy

The snowball effect regarding the issue of the separation between Real Madrid and coach Xabi Alonso has rolled on extensively. The separation occurred in Madrid, but rumors have carried over to London. Specifically, at the giant club from North London, Arsenal, which successfully secured Alonso's dream player during the last summer transfer window.

The player in question is Spanish national team midfielder Martin Zubimendi. According to Spanish newspaper Diario AS, Alonso had already asked management to sign Zubimendi. However, the club didn't see the urgency in signing a new midfielder. Madrid acted too late, and the player had already chosen Arsenal.

The report explains that Alonso repeatedly complained about the failure of the transfer to the coaching staff of Madrid. The defensive midfielders of "El Real," such as Aurelien Tchouameni and Eduardo Camavinga, are highly talented. However, there is yet to be a playmaker like Toni Kroos, who retired in 2024.

He is a very good player, never feels pressured.

The urgency of Alonso can be understood, especially when witnessing the first semifinal match of the English League Cup between Arsenal and Chelsea on Thursday (15/1/2026). Arsenal won 3-2 with an impressive performance from Zubimendi. In addition to contributing a classy goal, he also successfully controlled the game from the midfield.

Henry Winter, former chief football writer for The Times, had the highest praise. "Zubimendi worked tirelessly to hold the line, making tackles, intercepting the ball, maintaining formation, and then launching attacks. He's only been at Arsenal for six months, but he looks like he's been at it for six years," he wrote in X.

If the season were to end now, Zubimendi would undoubtedly deserve the title of the best signing in the Premier League this season. Arsenal has been able to dominate the Premier League and the Champions League so far, and still has the potential to win in four competitions, one of the biggest factors being the presence of the 26-year-old midfielder.

The evidence is that Zubimendi (2,300 minutes) is the Arsenal player with the most minutes played across all competitions after goalkeeper David Raya. He has started 26 times out of 28 matches. This is sufficient to demonstrate the importance of the player in the eyes of manager Mikel Arteta.

Can Arsenal compensate for the loss of two veteran midfielders, Jorginho and Thomas Partey? This question has been raised regarding Arsenal amidst the arrival of Zubimendi. Partey provides comfort in defense through his athletic physical presence, while Jorginho offers the role of ball distributor and tempo setter.

Zubimendi has proven capable of combining the two figures into one body. In ball control, his quality is beyond doubt. Like other midfielders from Spain, he possesses high technique and intelligence in reading spaces. The ball can almost be guaranteed not to be lost when passed in his direction.

Arsenal defender William Saliba also testified about the composure of the anchor in the midfield. When under pressure, he always looks for Zubimendi. "He is a very good player, never feels pressured. You can give him the ball, even with opponents behind him, and he is not under pressure," Saliba stated.

The main doubt regarding Zubimendi concerns his physical attributes. Standing at only 180 centimeters, he is below the average height for defensive midfielders in the English league. His physique is also athletic, similar to Partey. As is known, physical duels have become the most crucial element in the world's most competitive league. Moreover, he plays in the midfield.

Interestingly, Zubimendi's presence hasn't diminished in defense. Instead, he's made "The Cannon" incredibly dominant with his aggressiveness. According to Opta, Zubimendi ranks among the top three in various defensive statistics for Arsenal, from interceptions (first), tackles and possession recoveries (second), to aerial duels (third).

Zubimendi even recorded a victory in aerial duels of up to 65.8 percent. This surpasses defender Gabriel Magalhaes, who is a specialist in aerial challenges. While he may be physically outmatched, he excels in positioning and timing. According to midfielder Declan Rice, Zubimendi's cerebral ability sets him apart.

Interestingly, Zubimendi's role at Arsenal differs from that at Sociedad and the national team. He is not merely an anchor who distributes the ball and shields the center-backs. Instead of just maintaining depth at the back, Zubimendi frequently participates in attacking plays, even reaching the opponent's penalty area.

That is what makes the player wearing the number 36 jersey currently experiencing his best offensive season. Zubimendi has scored 4 goals and provided 3 assists as the new season reaches its halfway point. His highest contribution in a single season was only 4 goals and 1 assist while with Sociedad in the 2023-24 season.

Arteta grants his protégés the freedom to explore the opponent's penalty area. Certainly, Zubimendi alternates in playing this role with two other midfielders, namely Rice and Martin Odegaard. Typically, only one among them can be in the penalty area, while the other two players wait outside.

Zubimendi has evolved. Initially uncomfortable with ball control in the penalty area, he is now remarkably calm in finishing. Just look at the penalty area of Chelsea. Zubimendi feigned a shot, deceiving the opposing defender Wesley Fofana, before executing the ball with his left foot. That is his weaker foot.