{"id":1408723,"date":"2025-11-03T11:20:39","date_gmt":"2025-11-03T11:20:39","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.squawka.com\/en\/?post_type=features&#038;p=1408723"},"modified":"2025-11-04T09:42:28","modified_gmt":"2025-11-04T09:42:28","slug":"tactical-analysis-martin-zubimendi-arsenal-genius","status":"publish","type":"features","link":"https:\/\/www.squawka.com\/en\/features\/tactical-analysis-martin-zubimendi-arsenal-genius\/","title":{"rendered":"Martin Zubimendi analysis: The quiet genius behind Arsenal\u2019s control, composure and clean sheets"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<p><strong>Last summer was a sliding doors moment for <a href=\"https:\/\/www.squawka.com\/en\/outright-markets\/arsenal-outright-odds-25-26\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Arsenal<\/a>, <a href=\"https:\/\/www.squawka.com\/en\/outright-markets\/liverpool-outright-odds-25-26\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Liverpool<\/a> and Martin Zubimendi.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>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&#8217;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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-yoast-seo-table-of-contents yoast-table-of-contents\"><h2>In this article, we&#8217;ll cover:<\/h2><ul><li><a href=\"#h-zubimendi-helping-arsenal-dominate\" data-level=\"3\">Zubimendi helping Arsenal dominate<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#h-distribution-key-for-league-leaders\" data-level=\"3\">Distribution key for league leaders<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#h-off-ball-work-an-added-bonus\" data-level=\"3\">Off-ball work an added bonus<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p>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\u2019t deter interested parties. Reports suggested that Liverpool would firm up their interest in the player. Arsenal won the race for his services.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>With Thomas Partey rightly shown the exit, Zubimendi was viewed as an upgrade as Arsenal\u2019s midfield anchor. While not as physically imposing, the latter\u2019s tidiness in possession is what stood out. They didn\u2019t need to win the ball routinely if their opponents never had possession in the first place.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-zubimendi-helping-arsenal-dominate\">Zubimendi helping Arsenal dominate<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>It\u2019s no coincidence that Arsenal\u2019s 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\u2019re 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.<\/p>\n\n\n<h2 class=\"article-page__title\">Dabble sign-up offer: <b data-stringify-type=\"bold\">Bet \u00a310+ &amp; Receive \u00a310 In Free Bets<\/b><\/h2>\r\n<p><strong>Not signed up to <a href=\"https:\/\/www.squawka.com\/en\/bet\/betting-sites\/dabble-sign-up-offer\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Dabble<\/a> yet? Here's how to claim the <b data-stringify-type=\"bold\">Bet \u00a310+ &amp; Receive \u00a310 In Free Bets<\/b> welcome offer:<\/strong><\/p>\r\n<ol>\r\n<li>Sign up to Dabble through this <a href=\"\/en\/go\/dabble?q=gb-all-con-wof-s-spo\">link<\/a><\/li>\r\n<li>Register your account with accurate personal details<\/li>\r\n<li>Place your first bet of \u00a310 or more<\/li>\r\n<li>Receive your \u00a310 in free bets when your qualifying bet has setted<\/li>\r\n<li>Use your Free Bet on any eligible sportsbook market within 7 days<\/li>\r\n<\/ol>\r\n<p><a href=\"\/en\/go\/dabble?q=gb-all-con-wof-s-spo\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter wp-image-1423518 size-medium\" src=\"https:\/\/media.squawka.com\/images\/2026\/01\/12083841\/Screenshot-2026-01-12-083822-300x250.png\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"250\" srcset=\"https:\/\/media.squawka.com\/images\/2026\/01\/12083841\/Screenshot-2026-01-12-083822-300x250.png 300w, https:\/\/media.squawka.com\/images\/2026\/01\/12083841\/Screenshot-2026-01-12-083822-320x267.png 320w, https:\/\/media.squawka.com\/images\/2026\/01\/12083841\/Screenshot-2026-01-12-083822-240x200.png 240w, https:\/\/media.squawka.com\/images\/2026\/01\/12083841\/Screenshot-2026-01-12-083822-72x60.png 72w, https:\/\/media.squawka.com\/images\/2026\/01\/12083841\/Screenshot-2026-01-12-083822-150x125.png 150w, https:\/\/media.squawka.com\/images\/2026\/01\/12083841\/Screenshot-2026-01-12-083822-40x33.png 40w, https:\/\/media.squawka.com\/images\/2026\/01\/12083841\/Screenshot-2026-01-12-083822.png 712w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px\" \/><\/a><\/p>\r\n<p>#AD 18+ 7-day free bet expiry. Stake not returned. Promotional Terms Apply.\u00a0<a class=\"c-link\" href=\"http:\/\/gambleaware.org\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" data-stringify-link=\"http:\/\/GambleAware.org\" data-sk=\"tooltip_parent\">GambleAware.org<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>\u201cThey like what I do,\u201d Zubimendi said last month when quizzed on his move to Arsenal. And in truth, it\u2019s 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\u2019s favoured 4-3-3.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-distribution-key-for-league-leaders\">Distribution key for league leaders<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Zubimendi\u2019s 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\u2019s 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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>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\u2019s top tier this term. While fans won\u2019t see Zubimendi creating the chances, evident in that he\u2019s creating 0.8 chances per 90 in England\u2019s top tier this term, he\u2019s vitally important to the Gunners in the final third.<\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"819\" height=\"1024\" src=\"https:\/\/media.squawka.com\/images\/2025\/11\/03111224\/player_-pitch-3-stats-819x1024.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-1408727\" srcset=\"https:\/\/media.squawka.com\/images\/2025\/11\/03111224\/player_-pitch-3-stats-819x1024.jpg 819w, https:\/\/media.squawka.com\/images\/2025\/11\/03111224\/player_-pitch-3-stats-240x300.jpg 240w, https:\/\/media.squawka.com\/images\/2025\/11\/03111224\/player_-pitch-3-stats-768x960.jpg 768w, https:\/\/media.squawka.com\/images\/2025\/11\/03111224\/player_-pitch-3-stats-1229x1536.jpg 1229w, https:\/\/media.squawka.com\/images\/2025\/11\/03111224\/player_-pitch-3-stats-214x267.jpg 214w, https:\/\/media.squawka.com\/images\/2025\/11\/03111224\/player_-pitch-3-stats-160x200.jpg 160w, https:\/\/media.squawka.com\/images\/2025\/11\/03111224\/player_-pitch-3-stats-48x60.jpg 48w, https:\/\/media.squawka.com\/images\/2025\/11\/03111224\/player_-pitch-3-stats-120x150.jpg 120w, https:\/\/media.squawka.com\/images\/2025\/11\/03111224\/player_-pitch-3-stats-32x40.jpg 32w, https:\/\/media.squawka.com\/images\/2025\/11\/03111224\/player_-pitch-3-stats.jpg 1620w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 819px) 100vw, 819px\" \/><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<p>He\u2019ll 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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The vision helps to quickly set Arsenal on the front foot. While they aren\u2019t 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. \u2018Set piece again ole ole\u2019 is routinely chanted by supporters.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-off-ball-work-an-added-bonus\">Off-ball work an added bonus<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Crucially, though, is that Zubimendi isn\u2019t just a passer. Yes, his greatest strength is his ability to pick out a teammate but he\u2019s 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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>With an average of 0.9 fouls per attempted tackle, Zubimendi knows his to disrupt opponents\u2019 rhythm. That he\u2019s been carded just once in the Premier League shows he\u2019s mastering the dark arts as Arsenal chase down the title. It means Arsenal have conceded just three league goals in the opening 10 games.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The same can&#8217;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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>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 <em>should<\/em> make it 10 successive wins with another clean sheet to boot.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Viktor Gyokeres\u2019 perceived poor start and Arsenal\u2019s set-piece effectiveness has dominated the headlines in north London so far. So much so that Zubimendi\u2019s fine early-season performances have gone under the radar. He\u2019s quietly, yet efficiently, going about his business for the Gunners. It\u2019s what you\u2019d expect from a midfield anchor.<\/p>\n\n\n<h3><strong>Read more:<\/strong><\/h3>\r\n<ul>\r\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.squawka.com\/en\/news\/\"><strong>Latest football news<\/strong><\/a><\/li>\r\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.squawka.com\/en\/bet\/football-tips\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><strong>Football betting tips<\/strong><\/a><\/li>\r\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.squawka.com\/en\/bet\/betting-sites\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><strong>Best betting sites<\/strong><\/a><\/li>\r\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.squawka.com\/en\/bet\/betting-sites\/best-free-bet-offers\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><strong>Best free bet offers<\/strong><\/a><\/li>\r\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.squawka.com\/en\/bet\/football-tips\/accumulator\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><strong>Football accumulator tips<\/strong><\/a><\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>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&#8217;s side triggered his release clause and a switch to Anfield looked likely. However, the 26-year-old rejected the&#8230;<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":3564,"featured_media":1408733,"template":"","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"_yoast_wpseo_focuskw":"","_yoast_wpseo_title":"","_yoast_wpseo_metadesc":"","footnotes":""},"tags":[],"features-category":[],"squawka-category":[],"class_list":["post-1408723","features","type-features","status-publish","has-post-thumbnail","hentry"],"acf":{"external_featured_image_url":"","hide_featured_image_pattern":false},"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO Premium plugin v27.1 (Yoast SEO v27.1.1) - https:\/\/yoast.com\/product\/yoast-seo-premium-wordpress\/ -->\n<title>Martin Zubimendi analysis: The quiet genius behind Arsenal\u2019s control, composure and clean sheets | Squawka | EN<\/title>\n<meta name=\"robots\" content=\"index, follow, max-snippet:-1, max-image-preview:large, max-video-preview:-1\" \/>\n<link rel=\"canonical\" href=\"https:\/\/www.squawka.com\/en\/features\/tactical-analysis-martin-zubimendi-arsenal-genius\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:locale\" content=\"en_GB\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:type\" content=\"article\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:title\" content=\"Martin Zubimendi analysis: The quiet genius behind Arsenal\u2019s control, composure and clean sheets\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:description\" content=\"Last summer was a sliding doors moment for Arsenal, Liverpool and Martin Zubimendi. 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