Arsenal midfielder Martin Zubimendi is winning admirers both in England and abroad, with Spanish outlets now full of praise following his performance for Spain against Bulgaria. The 26-year-old joined the Gunners from Real Sociedad this summer and has quickly settled into Mikel Arteta’s system, bringing calmness and balance to the midfield.
Zubimendi impresses on international duty
Named in Spain’s starting XI during Thursday’s 3-0 win over Bulgaria, Zubimendi was handed the responsibility of anchoring the midfield in Rodri’s absence. His performance earned him glowing reviews back home. Catalan outlet SPORT rated him 8/10, noting his ability to control play and praising his clever assist for Oyarzabal’s opener. El Desmarque matched that score, highlighting his confidence and sharp passing under pressure.
Mundo Deportivo went even further, suggesting Zubimendi acted as Spain’s midfield leader and may now force Rodri to fight for his place when fully fit. The report claimed he “led the team from the pivot position” and made Spain tick from deep.
Real Madrid continue to regret missing out on Zubimendi
The most striking verdict came from Marca journalist Juan Ignacio Garcia-Ochoa, who lamented Real Madrid’s failure to secure Zubimendi. He described Arsenal’s coup as “painful” for Los Blancos, stating: “A tremendous player who would have been a godsend for Real Madrid vanished from La Liga to play for Arsenal. Spain danced to his rhythm in Sofia.”
Madrid had been monitoring Zubimendi earlier this year, with Xabi Alonso keen to hijack Arsenal’s pursuit. But Arsenal moved faster, sealing the deal and leaving Madrid ruing their hesitation.
Arsenal’s midfield reinforcement pays off
Zubimendi’s instant impact demonstrates why Arsenal pushed hard to bring him to the Emirates. Alongside Declan Rice and Martin Ødegaard, he forms one of the most technically assured midfields in the Premier League. For Arteta, landing Zubimendi wasn’t just about depth, it was about securing a midfielder capable of dictating the rhythm against the best sides in Europe.
With Spanish media now dubbing his move to Arsenal as Real Madrid’s ‘loss’, the Gunners can feel vindicated that they have captured one of Europe’s most complete holding midfielders. If his early Arsenal form and international displays are anything to go by, Zubimendi could prove to be the signing that finally helps Arteta’s men get over the line in the Premier League title race.
