Martin Keown has expressed strong admiration for Martin Zubimendi’s performances this season, suggesting the midfielder has not received the recognition his influence deserves. Zubimendi has quickly established himself as Arsenal’s central engine, combining control, energy, and attacking output. Despite primarily operating in a role focused on balance and structure, he has already scored five goals in the Premier League since the campaign began, underlining his importance to the team.
Establishing authority in midfield
This season represents Zubimendi’s first at the Emirates, yet his impact has been immediate and sustained. Each appearance has reinforced his importance to Arsenal’s structure and rhythm. His contributions extend beyond statistics, as he dictates the tempo and provides stability that allows others to flourish. When Arsenal achieve success this season, his influence will be evident, as his performances regularly set the tone for the team.
While several teammates attract significant attention, Zubimendi’s influence has arguably been greater every week. His understated style may explain why his contributions have not always generated headlines, yet his consistency has not gone unnoticed by experienced observers. As the season progresses, his standing within the squad continues to rise, supported by his ability to deliver at crucial moments.
Keown highlights understated excellence
Keown believes Zubimendi’s form places him among the Premier League’s standout performers this season. Reflecting on the current debate around Arsenal’s midfield options, he offered his assessment as quoted by Metro Sport:
‘A lot of people are talking about Declan Rice, Granit Xhaka has been mentioned as well, but Zubimendi, understated, has been one of the very best players in the Premier League this season, right?
‘He runs the Spanish national team, you know, that midfield, and he plays in central midfield for Arsenal.
‘So, if it’s going to be a flick of the coin between these two… when I look back to playing with Manny [Emmanuel] Petit and Patrick Vieira, I thought they were in a contest every week to be man of the match.’
As Zubimendi continues to shine, his reputation is set to grow further, as more observers recognise the scale of his contribution.
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I like what Zubimendi is bringing on the whole. But Keown is saying he’s brought more of an impact, that I can’t agree.
Here’s a question, if one was out of the team for a period, which one would we miss the most. I believe that answer’s my question really.
Because for me, Rice would be the bigger miss.
I’m sure Keown has been idle so he has started smoking something too strong for his brain to carry
Very true,Zubimendi is a silent worker and chipping in with crucial goals.Rice works hard but doesn’t make much of an impact in match outcomes.
Matthew,
Very harsh, Rice doesn’t make much of an impact in match outcomes. Without his work rate and ball winning skills along with his excellent set-piece’s.
Again I say you’re being very harsh.
Rice and Zubimendi have different roles and both are genuine top-class. Two players that I wanted to go to Arsenal for a long time, and it’s great to see both of them really excel with the current team. Zubimendi has been essential for achieving the current great situation Arsenal are in. Rice however is more of an obvious leader, and of course a ridiculously good player as well.
I don’t think we’d be in such great shape without zubimendi – he does keep us ticking in a way that not many players can (I especially like how often he plays the ball on first time, but he knows when to hold it and tries to find ways to gain some space to make the next pass count, and he’s popped up with some key moments during the season. That said, rice has been one of our best two or three players in every single game and by far our best player across the season as a whole. His impact on both directions has been immense.