Martin Zubimendi was one of the club’s first signings of the summer window and now almost three months after arriving, the Spaniard has reflected on his time so far. After a long pursuit, Arsenal finally landed their man in July, just in time for the pre-season tour of Asia. The Spaniard featured in every game of the tour and subsequently against Villarreal and Athletic Club. The diminutive midfielder has been similarly ever-present in every game for club and country this campaign, playing every minute of our first five games of the season. He has made telling contributions across both areas of the pitch, even grabbing a couple of goals against Nottingham Forest last week. Also judging by the semi-permanent smile on his face, the player has taken to life in England like a duck to water!
Zubimendi reflects on Arsenal switch
The Spaniard has reflected on his spell at the club so far. “It’s been good,” he told the Arsenal media. “I’ve settled in well because everyone has made it really easy for me. I’ve played in the Premier League but I also played a lot in pre-season which helped me too, and I think it’s reflected in my performances on the pitch.
“I feel at ease and I’m really pleased with how things have gone. Coming to Arsenal is obviously a big change,” he adds. “It’s natural to feel a bit anxious about what might happen, but everything has gone very smoothly and naturally. People have treated me really well, and I think that’s showing on the pitch too. This is a huge moment in my career. It’s the move I was looking for, one I wanted to make. Of course, it’s a big change, but I’m ready.”
Settled quickly in North London
Despite joining a new club in a new country, Martin Zubimendi is surrounded by familiar company. The Spanish connection between the likes of David Raya, Cristhian Mosquera and even Mikel Arteta would’ve helped him settle in quite nicely. He has also reunited with Martin Ødegaard and Mikel Merino after spending time together at Real Sociedad.
Zubimendi’s ability to control the tempo is arguably his strongest attribute, but what has particularly surprised me is his contributions out of possession. His reading of the game is superb and he covers that midfield position really well.
What have you made of the Spaniard so far? Let me know in the comments.
Benjamin Kenneth
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There is a rumor that made the rounds about Zubimendi not been Berta signing and how he would have opted for someone else.
Though it is true Arsenal had long decided on the Spaniard, not sure Berta would ignore Zubimendi qualities it seems the Spanish International best days are ahead of him.
Having scored a worldie against Forest , the Spaniard return for a second bite at the cherry a few minutes later, sign his appetite could be growing
TBH I was a bit worried about his physique (similar to how I felt about signing Torreira), but he has proven his ability is next level, and can stand up to the physicality of the Prem.
Yes thats true, and when compared to partey who he virtually replaced, you will ask a question also about his speed, tackling using his body to maintain possesion and recovery. Let us see then
Let’s wait more than 4 games, can we do that? How about mid-season review, or end of the year review?
Too soon to be judging whether any signing has worked or not; lest I remind everyone how Mustafi started his CB career at Arsenal, and how it ended.
Mustafi was a monster his first dozen or more games under Emery, but how did his mid-season and end of season review go for him?
Let Zubimendi, Gyokeres, Mosquera, Hincapie, Madueke, and the others play more games before anointing or labeling the players.
Not sure Mustafi was that so much of a monster when Wenger signed the German.
In fact Arsenal tried to sign Mustafi for an initial fee of £18》mill, but the Spanish club did stood firm, It is reported Valencia club chief were shock when Arsne Wenger returned with £35 mill for Mustafi, Lehman the German goal keeper could hardly believe his ears as well
Mustafi was a fascinating addition to Arsenal’s squad. World Cup winner, fantastic athleticism, great passing ability. Arsenal went on a 22 game unbeaten run when he joined. World class.
David, surely you’re having a laugh. Mustafi was one of the worst CBs I’ve seen play for us and Germany.
The best is yet to come from our new signing Arsenal need to be ruthless this season beat this teams like never before.