Liverpool eyes Martín Zubimendi for central role in new era with Arne Slot
Liverpool are set to begin a Premier League season without Jürgen Klopp, something they haven’t experienced in nine years.
It will take some getting used to not seeing the animated German tactician on the sidelines, but most of Klopp’s last squad remains intact under his successor, Arne Slot.
In fact, as of this writing, every club in England’s top division, barring the Reds, have made a summer acquisition, but that could soon change as Slot goes about redesigning their midfield.
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After missing out on Moises Caicedo and Romeo Lavia last summer, transfer expert David Ornstein recently revealed that the 19-time English champions are interested in acquiring a new defensive midfielder. However, the player they are targeting currently plays outside the UK, and in recent days, Martín Zubimendi of Real Sociedad appears to be the mystery number six.
Liverpool’s desire to strengthen in this area of the pitch is multifaceted. Firstly, there’s a strong likelihood that Wataru Endo, the incumbent of this role, could depart this summer, with Marseille among those interested. Secondly, it’s perhaps the most important role in modern football, and Slot is among those who have emphasised its significance.
We’ve already begun to see Slot’s reimagining of Liverpool this summer, but it’s nowhere near a full realization. During a successful period guiding Feyenoord, culminating in an Eredivisie title in 2023, the Bergentheim-born manager predominantly fielded a central double pivot consisting of a controlling midfielder and deep-lying playmaker. Essentially operating as the classic “number six and eight” tandem.
To Slot and many coaches who share his mindset, the “six” position is considered the cornerstone around which the rest of the team’s style can be built. This is where Zubimendi has truly shone. The exceptional performance of Spanish captain Rodri has limited Martín Zubimendi’s role in international matches, but Luis de la Fuente could not have asked for a better substitute. When the Manchester City midfielder had to leave the pitch due to an injury at half-time during the Euro 2024 final against England earlier this summer, many believed it was an advantage for Gareth Southgate’s team.
Zubimendi had different ideas and seamlessly continued where his teammate had started. He completed 24 out of 26 passes (92.3%), including all six of his passes in the final third. He won all five of his duels, regained possession three times (as many as Rodri in the first half), and made three tackles, with only Dani Carvajal and Fabián Ruiz (four) making as many tackles; and both played the full game. This performance demonstrated to many that he is one of the best defensive midfielders in European football. With a reported release clause of £52.6 million, La Real’s fulcrum regained possession 102 times in the middle third and made 37 interceptions in La Liga last season.
Additionally, he was very effective at winning the ball and only lost possession 9.1 times per 90 minutes in Spain’s top league last season. Among midfielders who played at least 1,000 minutes, only 13 averaged fewer losses of possession per 90. This doesn’t mean he plays too safe, though. In fact, 467 of his 1,535 passes were forward (30.4%), a higher percentage than Luka Modric, for example, who had 26.8%. He averaged 51.7 passes per 90 in La Liga in 2023-24, with an accuracy of 86.4%. These stats are close to the numbers he produced in the previous two years when he started gaining recognition.
Real Sociedad averaged 55.5% possession in La Liga last season. Zubimendi would likely see even more of the ball at Liverpool, as they averaged 61.3% possession in the Premier League, while Slot’s Feyenoord averaged 62.3% in the Eredivisie. During a Liverpool open training session in the U.S., the Dutchman shouted, “Kill them with passes!”
Zubimendi can’t truly be fully appreciated using statistics, as was somewhat the case with Sergio Busquets, to whom the 25-year-old has been compared. Another player he is often likened to is his idol and former manager, Xabi Alonso. All three excel at sitting at the base of midfield, receiving the ball from the goalkeeper or defenders and initiating their team’s buildup play from the back, which is something Slot – like most modern coaches – demands. Press-resistant and calm under pressure, Zubimendi has carved out a reputation as one of the best players in a challenging position.
Alonso, the last player to move from Real Sociedad to Liverpool, coached Zubimendi while in charge of Real Sociedad B and explained why he’s such a big fan, saying, “Martín is a player all coaches would want. He is generous; he always thinks more about his teammates than himself. He has the ability to generate play, to make those around him better, and always offers solutions to improve the move. He understands what the next step is before the ball gets to him… I loved working with him.”
The most recent reports indicate that he is still uncertain about leaving his childhood club. However, if the deal goes through, Zubimendi would likely be the first signing for Liverpool under Slot. Observing his play could offer insight into what the post-Klopp era will entail.
