Martin Zubimendi has enjoyed an impressive season at Arsenal, with the Spaniard receiving considerable praise in recent weeks for his midfield performances.
As a defensive midfielder, he plays a pivotal role in shaping how Arsenal build their attacks and redistributes possession during matches. He performed a similar function at Real Sociedad before the Gunners secured his signature, yet his displays in recent months suggest further development in his game. At a club competing at the highest level across multiple competitions, he has demonstrated composure and tactical intelligence.
Arsenal have performed strongly on several fronts this season, and Zubimendi has been integral to their progress. His ability to control tempo and provide balance between defence and attack has contributed to the team’s consistency. As the campaign advances, there is an expectation that he will continue to be a central figure in their ambitions.
Questions Raised After Brentford Match
However, his performance against Brentford has prompted debate among sections of the Arsenal support. According to Football Insider, some fans now believe that Zubimendi can struggle when confronted by particularly physical opponents. Brentford are known for its intensity and physical approach, and it limited his influence, preventing him from dictating play in his usual manner.
The contest proved challenging, as he was unable to assert the same authority in midfield that had characterised many of his displays this season. The physical pressure appeared to disrupt his rhythm and reduce his effectiveness in possession.
Concerns Over Physical Encounters
It was not the first time such concerns have surfaced. Some supporters also observed difficulties in the fixture against Newcastle United, widely regarded as one of the most physical teams in the league. On that occasion, too, Zubimendi found it harder to impose himself.
While these observations have fuelled discussion, it remains clear that he has delivered a strong overall campaign. The coming matches will offer further opportunities to respond to criticism and reaffirm his importance to Arsenal’s midfield structure.
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I’ve said this a couple of times in other posts. While overall he’s done well, and is proving to have an eye for goal.
For me, he does struggle away from home. And he does struggle when faced with a more physical approach from the opposition.
He is not strong. And every good DM in this world are always strong.
Arteta needs to rotate him with Norgaard in some games.
I’d say it impacts his game in a way, he doesn’t get to impose himself.
Not just physically, any kind of pressure like a high press too. The exact kind of things a DM should be great at! People don’t realise how much Rice actually covers for him, if he was next to a normal CM and not beast Rice it would’ve been very obvious
Thing is most of our games and most of the time in those games we have higher possession which is why its taken so long for some to notice
In games where we know we’ll have high possession, he is an asset
As I’ve posted previously, he’s not a DM in the sense that the likes of Kante, Makalala(sp) were. He plays like Mikel Arteta did for us and PSG.
It’s still his first season, the physical side of the PL does not come naturally for some. He is not going to get any stronger but l think he will learn to cope better. Let’s face it, Brentfords tactics were clearly to cause chaos, and they did it well. They were like Stoke on steroids.
Noogard isn’t bad, but Arteta is horrible when it comes to replacing his favorites.
Zubimendi is a very good midfielder, but he isn’t a defensive midfielder. Rice should do that job because Zubi offers more in attacking. It’s the same story with Odegard, who is now an 8, not a 10, but Arteta won’t do the needful, and Saka needs to reinvent himself.
Arteta is an intelligent man, but he is overhyped.
Place Noogard in DM then push Zubimendi to the no 10 role because our captain is off form. Favors will cist us this EPL title.
Just been reading an article about Zubimendi on the BBC questioning whether he is in fact our best player, hmmm an interesting question…….
He’s one of our best, but I wouldn’t go so far as to say that he’s the actual best player at Arsenal.
Does it even matter?
Ooops! I should have first looked at the article headline instead of reading the last comment. Yeah, he does struggle a bit.
Jax,
You’ve been reading the BBC Sports page again haven’t you. 😂🤣👍
Derek, do they agree with me then?
Jax,
I couldn’t say whether they agree with you or not. But the comment’s section had varied opinions on who the best Arsenal player is.
Norgaard needs to be used a lot more in place of MZ for many selected games.
The Spurs and Chelsea games would be right for Norgaard instead of MZ . MZ can be used if he is replacing MO or EE in the forward position.
With Norgaard performance against Wigan i would say he should start more matches. He was so impressive with his crossest and hold up play.
I meant crosses not crossest