Martin Zubimendi's role at Arsenal may be surprising

Diệu Anh |

New signing Martin Zubimendi could bring more than expected to Arsenal in the new season.

The pre-season performance of new signing Martin Zubimendi shows why Arsenal waited a year to get his signature.

The 26-year-old midfielder, who joined the Emirates from Real Sociedad for £51 million this summer, has been making positive impressions from the start.

Of course, there are still real challenges ahead, starting with the away trip to Old Trafford. But coach Mikel Arteta could not hide his admiration when talking about his new contract.

The Spanish captain called Zubimendi's presence " incredible". Arteta also praised the midfielder's decision-making speed and quality in each ball handling.

"That is very rare in a midfielder," said the Gunners head coach.

Martin Zubimendi chuyen den Arsenal tu Real Sociedad.  Anh: AFP
Martin Zubimendi moved to Arsenal from Real Sociedad. Photo: AFP

Zubimendi's intelligence has also been highly appreciated since he played in Spain. "He is like Xabi Alonso in the way he sees the game," a former coach commented.

Meanwhile, a former Zubimendi teammate affirmed: "He is very good at tactics".

Arsenal are clearly eager to make the most of these qualities. And initial signs suggest Arteta has found a special piece.

Recruited to take on the No. 6 position, Zubimendi is considered a world-class addition to Arsenal's midfield.

However, surprisingly, he often pushed high, participating in ball control in the opponent's half in a series of pre-season friendly matches. Zubimendi played especially well in the 3-0 win over Athletic Bilbao last week.

The Spaniard's versatility could open up a new look for the Arsenal midfield, where mobility and creativity are a priority.

"Yes, Martin Zubimendi has integrated very well. As everyone can see, he has had a huge impact on the team. I am very happy and he will recover in time" - Arteta answered at the press conference before the match against Man United when asked if Zubimendi could play.

In the victory over Bilbao, Zubimendi quickly left a strong impression. He opened the first goal with a cross from the right corner of the penalty area for Viktor Gyokeres to head accurately.

Not stopping there, the Spanish midfielder continued to show special vision when launching a delicate heel kick in the penalty area, creating conditions for Kai Havertz to double the gap.

In his familiar role, Zubimendi often retreats deep, receiving the ball from Arsenal's defense and then distributing and rotating it forward. However, what he has shown shows that his ability to create a breakthrough in the final third of the field is equally impressive. Besides him, Declan Rice is the perfect partner.

The initial theory suggests that Zubimendi will help Rice be released to play as an 8-digit left-sided number. But in fact, this could be a mutually supportive relationship. Against Athletic Bilbao, the two often exchanged positions. Every time Zubimendi moved up, Rice immediately retreated to cover him.

Su xuat hien cua Martin Zubimendi se giup do cho Declan Rice rat nhieu.  Anh: AFP
The appearance of Martin Zubimendi will help Declan Rice a lot. Photo: AFP

This tactical aspect may surprise many people, but it is clearly logical. Because if he wants to exploit Zubimendi's vision and ability to pass the ball delicately in deep defences, Rice - with his strength and ability to intercept - is the safest shield behind.

Zubimendi is sure to bring special value in the No. 6 role, while Rice will still maintain a great influence in the No. 8 position thanks to his increasingly perfect strength and scoring ability.

More importantly, the mutual support between the two, combined with Zubimendi's rare tactical intelligence, will open up Arsenal to unexpected changes in the new season.

The match between Man United and Arsenal takes place at 22:30 on August 17 (Vietnam time).

Diệu Anh
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