Luis de la Fuente, the Spain head coach, recently handed Arsenal midfielder Martín Zubimendi what many observers would consider a remarkable personal endorsement, calling him the second-best defensive midfielder on the planet behind his international team-mate Rodri. The statement, widely reported across European football media, is significant because De la Fuente simultaneously confirmed that the two players can operate together in a double pivot without any tactical friction.
“After all, in that position, the number 6 role, we have the two best players in the world: Rodri and Martin [Zubimendi].” (Quote via Mirror)
Zubimendi joined Arsenal in July 2025 for a reported initial fee of £55.8 million, signing a long-term contract with the club. His Gunners debut arrived on 17 August in a 1–0 victory against Manchester United, and he scored a brace against Nottingham Forest on 13 September in a 3–0 win, with his opening goal earning the Premier League Goal of the Month award for September 2025.
How has his season shaped up at the Emirates?
In the 2025/26 Premier League season, Zubimendi has recorded 5 goals, 1 assist, 2,604 minutes on the pitch, and an average FotMob rating of 7.27 across his appearances. Across all competitions, he has made 31 Premier League appearances and eight Champions League outings, contributing five league goals and two assists in European competition. He has created 28 chances this season, ranking fourth in that metric, and his Expected Threat figure of 751.1 places him ninth for offensive contribution from midfield positions. His 1,290 successful passes put him twelfth in the league for that category.
Strengths, a subtle weakness and what makes him genuinely different?
What separates Zubimendi from most defensive midfielders is his ability to read space before the ball even arrives at his feet. He does not simply retrieve possession; he positions himself so intelligently that opposition attacks collapse without him needing to commit a foul. The Spaniard’s passing accuracy and tactical awareness are exceptional, and his recent goal contributions confirm that Arteta has actively encouraged him to arrive late into attacking areas. The one genuine weakness he has is in aerial duels in congested central areas, where his 1.81m frame sometimes loses out to physically dominant opponents.
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Transfermarkt currently values Zubimendi at €80 million, placing him among the most valuable midfielders in European football. At 27, with a contract running to 2030, Arsenal hold a generational asset in a position that most clubs spend years trying to solve.
