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MIKEL ARTETA often refers to his Arsenal squad as a puzzle, and it is becoming evident that Martin Zubimendi was the missing piece.
Last summer, the club invested £250 million in eight new signings, and midfielder Zubimendi has emerged as the standout player among them.
Zubimendi has settled in quickly at ArsenalCredit: Getty
The striker arrived amidst much excitement, hailed as the player who would lead the Gunners to the title.
However, the first half of this season has highlighted how Zubimendi could be the key difference for Arsenal in their championship pursuit, rather than falling short once more.
This must be particularly painful for Liverpool, who will visit the Emirates on Thursday night, trailing far behind Arsenal.
The reigning champions find themselves 14 points adrift of Premier League leaders Arsenal, and their victory over them at Anfield in August feels like a distant memory.
It also adds to the narrative that Zubimendi could have been donning a Liverpool jersey instead of Arsenal's.
During the summer of 2024, it appeared that Zubimendi was on the verge of a transfer from Real Sociedad to Merseyside.
However, Arsenal intervened and laid the groundwork for signing the midfielder a year later while negotiating a deal for Mikel Merino that summer.
Arteta played a crucial role in securing the deal, convincing Zubimendi why he should join the North London club.
The £51 million transfer was effectively finalized by March 2025, preventing Real Madrid from hijacking the deal in the summer.
Zubimendi's transfer now appears to be a pivotal moment in this season's title race.
His arrival has transformed Arsenal's midfield, and Liverpool could greatly benefit from his composed presence.
No player in the Arsenal squad has made more interceptions in Premier League matches this season than Zubimendi.
Jurrien Timber is the only Gunners player to surpass him in tackles made, while Gabriel narrowly outperforms the Spaniard in aerial duels.
In the entire league, only Nottingham Forest's midfielder has completed more passes than Zubimendi this season.
There were concerns that the Spaniard might take time to adjust to the English game—however, he has adapted remarkably well.
Arteta remarked: “He’s such a talented and intelligent player that he picks things up immediately.
“And when that happens, combined with good players around you, it usually leads to success.
“This is the position that connects everyone. You know how challenging it is to excel in this league right away, but he has been exceptional.”
Only one player has completed more passes in midfield than Zubimendi this seasonCredit: Shutterstock Editorial
Rice and Zubimendi have developed a fantastic partnershipCredit: EPA
No player has benefited more from Zubimendi’s arrival than Declan Rice.
The Arsenal squad has affectionately dubbed Rice ‘The Horse’ due to his relentless energy on the field.
With Zubimendi by his side, Rice has been granted even more freedom to roam and cover every inch of the pitch.
Rice aims to enhance his goal-scoring ability, and Zubimendi's presence should help him achieve that.
The Spaniard is content to anchor the defense and disrupt opposing plays, allowing Rice to push forward.
The England star scored twice over the weekend as Arsenal triumphed 3-2, and Arteta will hope this marks the beginning of many more goals this season.
Rice stated: “He (Zubimendi) is an incredible player. Playing alongside him has been effortless.
Mikel Arteta has praised his summer signingCredit: Getty
Eze Chidiebere Paul
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