Arsenal’s Premier League winner Martin Zubimendi is the second-best midfielder in the world, according to Spain manager Luis de la Fuente, despite his limited playing time at the 2026 World Cup. The midfielder has yet to feature regularly during the tournament, even though he remains one of the most highly regarded players in his position.
Many observers believe Spain has the strongest squad in the competition, and that depth has made it difficult for Zubimendi to earn minutes. Although he played a key role as Arsenal won the Premier League title this summer, he has found opportunities hard to come by on the international stage.
Zubimendi praised despite limited opportunities
The midfielder was expected to be included in Spain’s World Cup squad after an outstanding season with Arsenal. However, Rodri has retained his place in the starting line-up throughout the tournament, leaving Zubimendi on the bench.
His lack of playing time has frustrated Arsenal supporters, who would like to see him given a greater role for Spain. Despite not selecting him regularly, Luis de la Fuente has made it clear that he holds the Arsenal midfielder in the highest regard.
According to the Metro, De la Fuente said:
‘Rodrigo is the guiding light of this team, a player with exceptional vision, which is why he is the best player in the world in his position, and behind him is Martin Zubimendi, who is the second-best player in the world in that position.”
Arsenal could benefit from Spain’s decision
Although it may seem surprising that a player described as the second best in the world in his position has received so few opportunities at the World Cup, Spain’s strength in depth has limited his chances to make an impact.
From Arsenal’s perspective, the situation could have a positive outcome. With fewer minutes during the tournament, Zubimendi is likely to return to the club fresher than many of his teammates who have played more regularly.
Arsenal will hope that his reduced workload allows him to begin the new campaign in excellent condition, ready to build on the impressive form that helped the club secure the Premier League title.
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Not even close
Top 20 maybe at a push
Clickbait… de la Fuente is just amping his players. Zubi’s obviously not the 2nd best of all midfielders in the world.
Though if we’re gonna get more specific, given his role as a *deep-lying playmaker*, and comparing apples to apples across the top teams, you can make a reasonable argument that he’s arguably somewhere between 3rd and 6th in THAT role. The other players like that are the likes of Vitinha, Rodri, Kimmich, Calhanoglu, Adam Wharton, Pavlovic etc.
Across ALL midfielders is a totally different story…
Well he is second choice at Arsenal and thats before Guimerez or whoever comes in.
Second in Spain but can not even get on for 10 minutes to give Rodri a break.
The actual quote was “in his position”… which is deep-lying playmaker. He’s been the first choice there for us this season gone, with Declan playing more box-to-box.
Guimaraes is closer to Rice in role though he may be swapped for Zubimendi as well.
As for the WC, we don’t write off David Raya because Unai Simon gets picked ahead of him, surely… it’s pretty obvious he’s not getting the minutes because, well, Rodri. Spanish captain, on form, better tournament player, and Spain are scraping through games a bit already. De la Fuente seems to like making his subs in more attacking roles (like Arteta with his “finishers”).
So you are saying what I am saying. The quote is meaningless.
And I wasn’t on about Rice, I was talking about MLS being first choice in that role?
Arsenal attracts players with the pull of a magnet. Everybody wants to play for Arsenal.competitors stand warned.
Arteta’s decision to finally bench Zubimendi is now justified by the Spain coach also as we’re not seeing Zubimendi playing in this WC.