Have Gooners Been Unfair On Martin Zubimendi? – Opinion

The early rounds of the Carabao Cup are often an ideal opportunity for managers to rest key talent and give minutes to those in need of a start.

It says a lot about Arsenal’s squad depth that they could name a different XI to the one that started on Saturday and have two World Cup winners in midfield.

It feels like a long time ago when Martin Zubimendi’s half-time introduction proved the turning point in the Euro 2024 Final.

His international boss has often referred to the Spaniard as the second best in the world, only behind Rodri in terms of his role.

Reports have never gone away that Real Madrid are admirers of the midfielder, and you do sense eventually an offer may be made that is too good to turn down for someone who is not certain to start every week.

Do Arsenal Fans Appreciate Zubimendi Enough?

So it’s not that the 27-year-old’s ability is not appreciated elsewhere, but maybe not by all of the fanbase of the club he currently plays for.

Most who are Spanish have a desire to one day play at the Bernabeu or for Barcelona, and I wonder if some Gooners are fast-tracking Zubimendi doing so by not appreciating what is in front of them?

This is a footballer too good to be needing a League Cup tie to prove his worth. It’s an insult to someone so good, yet why does it feel like he ended up in this position?

He joined a team that had not lifted the title in 22 years. In his first season in England, not only did he contribute to ending that drought, but he also helped the Gunners reach only their second Champions League Final.

If you had offered all parties that scenario before he moved to North London, most would have called that a success?

Yet the player may have become a victim of his own success?

A Victim Of His Own Success?

Up until May, Zubimendi had played more minutes than any other Gunner.

Think about that for a moment.

Someone used to a winter break every year, at that point in his career and in his first campaign, was not just settling into a new culture but working himself tirelessly into the ground until his body couldn’t take it anymore.

I would love to write that was truly appreciated by all my peers, but perhaps summing up society, the attitude seemed to be: “What have you done for me lately?”

The media are quick to point out when supporters feel an individual is not showing loyalty to the shirt, but it works both ways.

In the run-in, Lewis-Skelly started against Fulham and West Ham in the Premier League. Those were literally his League starts in midfield before the Premiership was officially won.

Yet which one was more celebrated this summer?

The teenager with five Prem starts?

Or the one with… 34 out of 38!!!!!!

So, in other words, why give blood, sweat and tears for months on end when you can do nothing until the last couple of games of the title race?

That’s like applauding a sprinter for crossing the line after running the last 100 metres while ignoring the man who did the whole marathon.

Is Zubimendi Simply Following Arteta’s Instructions?

I understand the accusation that Zubimendi is fond of the sideways pass, but that’s down to Mikel Arteta’s tactics.

A system that works, by the way.

Even if you feel it’s not entertaining, Zubimendi is hardly the only one guilty of being conservative in possession.

So Portman Road feels like a big moment in the season for Zubimendi.

How have we gotten here?

Dan Smith

Have Arsenal supporters been too quick to judge Zubimendi, or do you think criticism of his performances has been justified? Let us know in the comments.
_____________________________________________________________________________________________
ADMIN COMMENT

So here are some simple rules which I must insist commenters follow….

You agree not to give any personal abuse to other Arsenal fans. Everyone is allowed to hold their own opinions even if you disagree with them. It COSTS NOTHING TO BE POLITE TO OTHER ARSENAL FANS.

CALLING ALL ARSENAL FANS! Anyone who would like to contribute an Article or Video opinion piece on JustArsenal, don’t hesitate to get in touch with us through this link…

The post Have Gooners Been Unfair On Martin Zubimendi? – Opinion appeared first on Just Arsenal News.