Martin Zubimendi has now signed for Arsenal and he could fit into the side in a variety of ways
The Spaniard is coming into a Gunners side in need of a top-class midfielder, following two departures from the area this summer, and with Christian Norgaard joining alongside him, there has been theories over how he will fit into the team.
Reported to be joining for a fee of £55m, many would expect Zubimendi to be a starter for Mikel Arteta’s side, but with a midfield that does boast talent despite the need for recruitment, it is unclear where exactly he will fit in. Here are three roles Martin Zubimendi could play in north London.
1. The new number six
The likely option | Alex Grimm/GettyImages
With both Jorginho and Thomas Partey gone, Arsenal find themselves in need of a new defensive midfielder and that is likely to be Zubimendi.
Playing as a number six has seemed to be the Spaniard’s preference throughout his career. He played over 180 games in the position for Real Sociedad and regularly performed well. Throughout last season, he won possession in the middle third 94 times, the third most of any player in La Liga. No other player in the Spanish top flight had won the ball back more times over the past three campaigns.
Given his experience and ability when playing in the position, it would seem like a no-brainer that the base of midfield is where Zubimendi will fit into the Arsenal squad.
2. Shifting to number eight
Rice is the current number eight for Arsenal | Shaun Botterill/GettyImages
Zubimendi does also have experience playing in a slightly more advanced midfield role and he could possibly shift to the number eight position for the Gunners. Just like his performances at the base, he has impressed as a more attacking player.
The Spain international had a lower pass success rate than Arsenal’s midfielders last season, but the number of his passes forward were far higher than his new side’s options. Out of 1752 passes played, 84.42% were successful and 31.39% went forward. This advanced passing is something that could be of use to Arteta’s side.
However, the only issue would be Declan Rice’s status as the current occupant of the left-sided number eight role. The Englishman has made the position his own since signing for the Gunners and his ability to impact the game has decreased when switching back to his original role as a six.
Playing Zubimendi as an eight could work, but it would mean having to shift Rice. While Arteta might consider exploring this, I don’t think it would be the best choice in the long-term.
3. Initial cover during adaptation
Norgaard is also Emirates bound this summer | Vince Mignott/MB Media/GettyImages
Zubimendi is not the only midfielder joining Arsenal this summer, with Brentford captain Christian Norgaard also bound for the Emirates Stadium. While the former is the big money spending among the pair, he may initially find himself as cover for this fellow new signing.
Joining from a La Liga side, the Spaniard could need a bit of time to adapt to the Premier League and that’s where Norgaard comes in. The Denmark international has built up plenty of experience in England’s top flight since first being promoted with the Bees and he would be capable of stepping in if needed.
It’s unlikely Zubimendi will be utilised as cover after the club have spent big money on him, but if he does struggle initially, that could be the case. There would at least be a suitable candidate to replace him in the meantime, but I have no doubt that Zubimendi will be able to be an instant starter.