Following his error against Manchester United, Martin Zubimendi was subjected to harsh criticism from sections of the Arsenal fanbase. The frustration was not solely about that moment, but rather the culmination of several similar incidents that have occurred over the course of the season.
After being rested in midweek, the Spaniard responded emphatically against Leeds United with one of his strongest performances in an Arsenal shirt. He was among the standout players on the pitch, opening the scoring in the first half and setting the tempo for much of the contest. Despite the errors that have led to goals this season, Zubimendi has still been a key member of the squad and remains one of the most influential performers due to his contributions at both ends of the pitch.
Understanding Zubimendi strengths
Zubimendi is a very different profile to the player he replaced at the start of the campaign. Standing at 5ft 11in and possessing a lighter physical frame, he was never going to offer the same level of dominance or aggression associated with Thomas Partey.
What he does provide is intelligence in possession and a natural tendency to play forward from deep areas. His ability to receive the ball under pressure and progress play quickly has always suggested he would thrive with the right structure around him, particularly in a double pivot.
The Rice partnership made the difference
Against Leeds, Zubimendi and Declan Rice operated as a true double pivot, and the results were clear. At times in the first half, Rice even positioned himself deeper than Zubimendi, allowing the Spaniard to step higher and influence the game more effectively.
Their close proximity ensured Arsenal controlled midfield zones for much of the match and provided a stable platform for the eventual victory. Zubimendi’s influence was reflected in his numbers, recording four touches in the opposition box, five passes into the final third, winning four duels and making four recoveries.
It remains unclear whether Rice will continue in a deeper role going forward. As the game progressed, particularly after attacking changes were introduced, Rice began to push higher up the pitch. That shift may have been a response to the opponent or a tactical adjustment to accommodate Kai Havertz.
Whatever the reasoning, the Leeds performance offered a compelling glimpse of how to get the best out of Zubimendi.
Do you want to see Arsenal persist with this midfield structure in upcoming games?
Benjamin Kenneth
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The guy is overrated if ask me…good deep lying play making skills but a defensive liability. His direct mistakes leading to goals has cost us about 10 points this season. I think he needs to play a bit more forward to get the best out of him or a double pivot with Declan Rice. His slight of frame makes him lose duels , hence giving away fouls in dangerous places.
I’m glad we have Zubimendi. He was a good signing.
OT
Glad City drew and we won
Now hopefully we can build more on our lead
Heard betting odds 9-1 Arsenal for the TREBLE not EPL alone which is already?
Ambachew
Very interesting odds, I have already made the call that Arsenal will go ond and lift that premier league big ears mug come May.
On to Zubimendi, the Spaniard has been impressive since joining us, what Arsenal needs now is a powerful box to box midfielder, the young Lille midfielder ( Ayyoub Bouaddii) fits this mould
The last 20 minutes of the Arsenal v Utd game never determine our destiny as some told us. In fact Oya at the moment contested. 38 season long games to be condensed into 20 minutes?
Been saying it for a long time Zubimendi is not a 6, especially in the prem. He is too weak in the tackle. He likes to intercept and pinch the ball, which is not enough. Rice is better in both positions than Zubimendi but Zubimendi is better deployed for Arsenal higher up the pitch.
Agree, it depends on the opponent, but pushing him further up makes sense generally, and we are playing a less positionally rigid system anyway. He’s been good in the opponent’s half – taking on a similar role to Ødegaard in a sort of hybrid/loose CM spot that takes occasional potshots.
We don’t necessarily have to have a rigidly defined 6 of course. We have both Rice and Norgaard who can cover the 6 role when structurally needed, or play as a double pivot (not that that has actually been needed so far). Rice is so important for us as a box-to-box player, and Norgaard is more of a defensive rock and a destroyer and should probably be used that way.
I think zubi’s work is being underrated, he makes the people around him better. Yes there are some situations he could have done better, but the position he plays in has little margin for error. I have seen Trossard and Odegaard loose possession cheaply, just that the errors weren’t punished.
Xhaka used to get the same treatment Zubi is having, being underrated! Difference being the former used to get more Red cards in trying to recover mistakes made.
Xhaka wasn’t a DM and never claimed to be, so you cannot compare.
You say there’s little margin for error in that position, and that is exactly the issue we have with Zubi and why Norgaard should be given a run. He’s earned a chance of a couple of starts in the EPL in a row
After reading this article, I would like to see more of the true double pivot.
If Zooby is as bad as some fans want to say, surely the expert commentators would be picking up on this instead of saying he’s a genius at getting a side ticking into performance. For sure fans actual remember the exciting bits, great skill leading to great goals and overlook the “water carriers” in trophy winning sides – for sides to win often they need to knit – I love knitting – a platform first to play on. You know those bad days, when some key players don’t get a touch of the ball, opponents dominated possession and make us look ordinary? Zooby turns that performances into good ones.
And the error against Manure was as much the poor pass to him facing goal and man on already forcing the error.
In a number of matches this season, Zubemendi has proved to very elusive in making late forward runs from the engine room and has gone close to adding to his goal tally on a number of occasions.While he is a different kettle of fish from Partey he is equally intelligent on the ball and has formed a solid, consistent axis with Rice .Our trouble in getting caught on counter attacks and leaving spaces in front of our back four is not just down to Zubimendi, but includes our wingers and ,in particular Odegaard losing possession and not having the legs to recover.quickly enough.As our main creative midfielder i appreciate Odegaard has an onerous responsibility but i do cringe when he ,and for that matter, Trossard are on the ball deep in their own half as they both tend to lose possession when they ought to play safe .The trouble is they are not defensive minded and neither has the physicality nor pace to recover the ball.In terms of the team effort i cannot fault Odegaard or Trossard but i would like them to refrain from taking unnecessary risks and play to their strengths .Zubemendi has done well in his first season and i think he has justified his substantial transfer fee more so than the likes of Eze and Goykeres.
I concur Grandad. Goalkeepers and defensive midfielders tend to have the ‘”errors ” Magnified. Zubi as moon girl mentioned above has knitted this team and in his first season I’d say he is doing okay.
no incoming´s this window.. hope we can rest either
salipa or gabi.. as I think we should prioritize PL and FAcup.
Martin Zubimendi, Arsenal’s No. 6, is control personified.
Calm under pressure and tactically elite, he reads the game effortlessly, breaks up danger, and dictates tempo with intelligence rather than flash. His positioning, composure, and precision passing give Arsenal balance and authority in midfield, allowing others to thrive.
A modern defensive midfielder — quiet, assured, and indispensable.