'Very positive': National media praise 71-touch Arsenal star who completed 98% passes on Int'l duty
Arsenal midfielder Martin Zubimendi delivered a solid performance during Spain’s 4-1 Nations League win over Croatia on Tuesday night.
The 27-year-old has had a tough season with the Gunners and has yet to start in the Premier League or Champions League under manager Mikel Arteta.
However, he remains a key player for the national side. Zubimendi got the nod over Rodri in the number six role yesterday and delivered a fine display.
The midfielder has quite often been described as the ‘second-best midfielder in the world’ by manager Luis de la Fuente, and he did not disappoint against Croatia at home.
Zubimedi had 71 touches and completed 65 out of 66 passes attempted with a passing accuracy of 98 percent. He also won 100 percent of his duels (2/2) with four recoveries.
It was a flawless showing from the Gunners ace, and the Spanish media were undoubtedly impressed by how he fared as a starter ahead of captain Rodri.
Sport (page 4) gave him a 7/10 rating and said that he ‘played a very positive role’, providing the right balance in midfield, particularly during the opening half.
They wrote: “He faced the difficult task of making people forget Rodri. He played a very positive role, providing balance in midfield—especially in the first half—and helping to ensure fluid play.”
Mundo Deportivo (page 4) said that he was ‘making his case’ and proved he deserves more minutes at Arsenal. The reputed publication mentioned: “Making his case.
“He stepped in for Rodri in the starting lineup and proved he deserves more minutes at Arsenal. He played the ball out beautifully from the back.”
Zubimendi has endured a difficult spell at Arsenal. He lost his midfield starting role to Myles Lewis-Skelly in May last season and has struggled to regain the spot.
Lewis-Skelly has had a fine start to the 2026/27 campaign in the heart of the midfield, and he has been the regular partner for Declan Rice during the early weeks.
On top of this, Arsenal have signed Bruno Guimaraes to bolster the department, and they also have a fit-again Mikel Merino to rely upon in the centre of the park.
As a result, Zubimendi’s playing time has been minimal. He did start in the Carabao Cup third round at Ipswich Town, but was asked to play as a right-back after Jurrien Timber was rested.
His future at Arsenal could be uncertain if his playing time doesn’t increase soon.
Stats from Sofascore.com
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