Last summer was a sliding doors moment for Arsenal, Liverpool and Martin Zubimendi.
The Reds wanted the Spanish midfielder. Liverpool looked to bolster in the middle of the park and had their heart set on Zubimendi. Arne Slot’s side triggered his release clause and a switch to Anfield looked likely. However, the 26-year-old rejected the move to Merseyside to remain with Real Sociedad.
In this article, we’ll cover:
The rest, as they say, is history. Liverpool won the league with Ryan Gravenberch stepping up under Slot. Zubimendi and La Real endured a so-so campaign but that didn’t deter interested parties. Reports suggested that Liverpool would firm up their interest in the player. Arsenal won the race for his services.
With Thomas Partey rightly shown the exit, Zubimendi was viewed as an upgrade as Arsenal’s midfield anchor. While not as physically imposing, the latter’s tidiness in possession is what stood out. They didn’t need to win the ball routinely if their opponents never had possession in the first place.
Zubimendi helping Arsenal dominate
It’s no coincidence that Arsenal’s possession haul has increased from 57.1% to 58.3% this season. Nor is it a surprise that tackles per 90 have dropped from 15.7 to 15. They’re more efficient on the ball, thus ensuring the shots conceded per 90 return has fallen from 9.5 to 7.5. Fact is, the improvements on the ball have contributed to a more resolute Arsenal side.
Dabble sign-up offer: Bet £10+ & Receive £10 In Free Bets
Not signed up to Dabble yet? Here's how to claim the Bet £10+ & Receive £10 In Free Bets welcome offer:
- Sign up to Dabble through this link
- Register your account with accurate personal details
- Place your first bet of £10 or more
- Receive your £10 in free bets when your qualifying bet has setted
- Use your Free Bet on any eligible sportsbook market within 7 days
#AD 18+ 7-day free bet expiry. Stake not returned. Promotional Terms Apply. GambleAware.org
“They like what I do,” Zubimendi said last month when quizzed on his move to Arsenal. And in truth, it’s easy to see why. Playing as the lone holder comes with a huge responsibility. That he has Declan Rice and Martin Odegaard, when fit, to his left and right affords both additional steel and creativity in Mikel Arteta’s favoured 4-3-3.
Distribution key for league leaders
Zubimendi’s primary duty is to act as the tempo setter in the Arsenal midfield. The Spain international drops deep to receive possession from the centre-backs. He then turns and looks to get the ball rolling for the Gunners. It’s no shock that he ranks fourth for forward passes (161) of Arsenal players in the Premier League this season. Remove the goalkeeper and centre-backs, and he rises to first.
This is especially important for an Arsenal side that does look to attack through the centre. 29% of attacks come through the middle of the pitch, the fourth most in England’s top tier this term. While fans won’t see Zubimendi creating the chances, evident in that he’s creating 0.8 chances per 90 in England’s top tier this term, he’s vitally important to the Gunners in the final third.
He’ll be playing the pass that leads to the pass that leads to a goal. Indeed, only David Raya (5.7) and Rice (2.8) are making more accurate long balls per 90 than Zubimendi (2.6) for Arsenal. By getting Zubimendi on the ball, who has the time to look up and assess, he has the distribution to spread the play with ease.
The vision helps to quickly set Arsenal on the front foot. While they aren’t scoring frequently from open play, in instigating rapid attacks, the Gunners are able to cause chaos in the opposition box, which routinely results in corners as opponents scramble to ease pressure on the goal. And as we know, Arsenal are the set-piece kings of the Premier League. ‘Set piece again ole ole’ is routinely chanted by supporters.
Off-ball work an added bonus
Crucially, though, is that Zubimendi isn’t just a passer. Yes, his greatest strength is his ability to pick out a teammate but he’s a handy ball winner where required. An average of two tackles and 2.2 ground duels won per 90 is testament to his out of possession work. Meanwhile, only Rice (25) and Riccardo Calafiori (24) have won possession in the middle third more times than Zubimendi (22) for Arsenal.
With an average of 0.9 fouls per attempted tackle, Zubimendi knows his to disrupt opponents’ rhythm. That he’s been carded just once in the Premier League shows he’s mastering the dark arts as Arsenal chase down the title. It means Arsenal have conceded just three league goals in the opening 10 games.
The same can’t be said in the Champions League. Arsenal take on Slavia Prague on Tuesday evening as they look to maintain their 100% start to the competition. An away game in Europe is never easy to navigate, but the Czech side are winless in three and have conceded five goals along the way.
Slavia boast a solid home record but Arsenal are undoubtedly their toughest opponent at the Fortuna Arena this season. Yet even with Zubimendi suspended, Arsenal should make it 10 successive wins with another clean sheet to boot.
Viktor Gyokeres’ perceived poor start and Arsenal’s set-piece effectiveness has dominated the headlines in north London so far. So much so that Zubimendi’s fine early-season performances have gone under the radar. He’s quietly, yet efficiently, going about his business for the Gunners. It’s what you’d expect from a midfield anchor.