Arsenal were one of the biggest spenders in the summer transfer window and that has translated into results as they are currently top of the Premier League before heading into the international break.
Barring the defeat against Liverpool, Arsenal have been majorly flawless in their other seven league games. The Gunners also won their first two Champions League games against Athletic Club and Olympiacos.
While most of the new signings have adapted really well in Mikel Arteta's system, Martin Zubimendi has been a standout among the new additions.
The Spain international has been a metronome in Arsenal's midfield and his addition to the team has allowed Declan Rice with more freedom to venture forward.
Overall, the Rice-Zubimendi duo in Arsenal's midfield pivot has really helped them in bringing more stability and maintaining composure in the middle of the park.
Zubimendi was on the radar of several European clubs including Liverpool from last season, but he eventually decided to join Arsenal as his views aligned after a conversation with Arteta.
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Recently, the Spaniard opened up on his move to Arsenal and what convinced him to join the Gunners this summer.
“I had watched Arsenal and I liked everything I saw, in terms of passion, youth, the feeling you got watching them. And when Mikel Arteta called me … Well, if you’ve ever spoken to him you’ll know that he can be very convincing. He’s mad about football, crazy about having everything under control, trying to get something from every little detail. He’s very clear on everything and the proposal he had was the best for me," Zubimendi told The Guardian in his latest interview.
What did Zubimendi say about his role at Arsenal?
Zubimendi has been one of the best midfielders in his position and therefore Arsenal were adamant to sign him this summer.
After finishing second in three consecutive seasons, Arteta was desperately looking for more quality in his roster and the former Real Sociedad man has instantly elevated the roster.
"I choose a team on the basis of my qualities too: what they wanted from me," Zubimendi added. "I have to adapt my play a bit in terms of playing faster, more direct. I’m a pivot, but in this structure, I have the chance to take that step forward and Arteta insists a lot that I can play that final pass and make the difference. But I think my profile doesn’t change much. If they have signed me it is because they like what I do. They know this is what I can contribute to the team. If I changed my profile it would be an error."
He also opened up on the challenges of adapting to the Premier League and also touched upon the qualities that Arteta recognized in him.
"The mentality is: be a man. Go into clashes hard. It’s more direct. In Spain when you get the ball, it’s more about keeping it; (in England), whenever you win it, it’s straight on to the attack. Transitions are unavoidable, it’s harder to control. But (handling) that is not about ability as such, it’s getting your mind used to it. That’s different to La Liga but the thing that has most struck me is the dead ball, how important it is. I’m seeing loads of goals from that and they’re often what opens up the game. We have a set-play coach and we work on that practically daily."
Zubimendi with his performances this season make Arsenal a formidable outfit as Arteta and the fans will hope that the Spaniard continues to operate in midfield with such clarity.
Arsenal news and related links
- Arsenal star credits Mikel Arteta for enjoying football in new role for club and country
- Bukayo Saka opens up after emotional England moment at Wembley
- Why Arsenal could be leaving Emirates and heading to Wembley