‘Exceptional’ Arsenal player could now suddenly have a new position
Mikel Arteta may now have found an unlikely solution in defence.
Ben White has started every Premier League game this season but came off injured at half-time against Sunderland. His replacement, Jurrien Timber, has of course only just returned from the groin injury that kept him out of the World Cup. The extent of White’s injury isn’t thought to be serious, but Arsenal fans now know all about his injury history.
This could be a real problem at right-back, but Arteta may have accidentally stumbled upon a solution.
Martin Zubimendi at right-back.
Playing at right-back could be Martin Zubimendi’s way back into the team
On the face of it, it’s unconventional, but watching him against Ipswich on Tuesday night, it looked anything but. His pace of pass, his decision-making in tight areas, his ability to strike with either foot, it all translated seamlessly into the position.
The additional attacking quality that comes from having Zubimendi at right-back rather than a hybrid centre-back profile is clear. He’s a natural box crasher, comfortable arriving late between the lines, capable of making the most of attacking situations in a way that a more defensive player simply can’t.
Described by Arteta as ‘exceptional’ last season, Zubimendi has played just 59 minutes across four Premier League appearances this season. But in every cameo, he has looked motivated, refreshed and like a player with a point to prove.
There were reports he could push for a January exit if his situation doesn’t improve, after falling behind Bruno Guimaraes and Myles Lewis-Skelly in the pecking order. Right-back could be the unexpected route back into regular minutes for Arsenal again.
Obviously, he won’t be as defensively solid as White or Timber in that position. But there will be games, particularly at home against teams who sit deep, where the technical quality and attacking threat Zubimendi brings from right-back is exactly what Arsenal need.
Having signed him last summer for around £60million, he’s too good a player to be sitting on the bench all the time. Tuesday night may have just shown how to get him on the pitch.