Martin Zubimendi kept doing something ‘really interesting’ during his Arsenal debut vs AC Milan

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Martin Zubimendi made his long-awaited Arsenal debut during the Gunners’ pre-season tour of Asia.

Arsenal’s interest in Zubimendi was reported in January, with the North Londoners taking over six months to get the deal officially over the line.

Finally, the Spaniard is here and is integrating himself into Mikel Arteta’s Arsenal squad, which is full of familiar faces.

Zubimendi is already impressing in training, which made his performance in his non-competitive debut for Arsenal unsurprising.

• READ MORE: Declan Rice reveals the position Mikel Arteta wants him to play this season after signing Martin Zubimendi

Martin Zubimendi impressed on his Arsenal debut

At half-time during Arsenal’s win over AC Milan in Singapore, Zubimendi replaced Christian Norgaard to make his debut.

Very quickly, it was clear to see what the Spain international will bring to Arteta’s squad, pulling off some intricate passes as well as providing protection in front of the back four.

Bukayo Saka liked what he saw from Zubimendi and Arsenal’s other debutants, and away from the pitch, pundits shared their reviews of the midfielder.

Speaking on his YouTube channel, Adrian Clarke revealed what he thought ‘really stood out’ about Arsenal’s new signing against Milan.

“I thought he was absolutely outstanding. What really stood out about Zubimendi was the quickness of his passing and the progressive nature of it all.

“Every time he got the ball, he was looking to fizz it between the lines to one of the forwards.”

Clarke, who made nine appearances for Arsenal during his playing days, then turned his attention to Zubimendi’s defensive qualities, which was when he noticed something ‘really interesting’.

“Off the ball, he tidied up a couple of times as well. He read the game really nicely. I thought he was probably Arsenal’s best player; he did very little wrong.

“What also stood out for me was that he didn’t just stay in front of the back four, not at all, if it was on to go and press high or make a run into the box, he would go and do that, it was a really interesting debut.”

Being a renowned number six at Real Sociedad, it was expected that Zubimendi would act as an anchor in midfield, but it’s already clear that there’s so much more to the Spaniard’s game.

Zubimendi’s stats from Arsenal debut

What stood out from Zubimendi’s debut was his vast passing range. 

The 26-year-old completed 100% of the long balls he attempted, as well as creating two scoring chances.

In 45 minutes, Arteta’s new signing misplaced only four passes and was defensively strong, contributing to four defensive actions.

It was a lively debut for Zubimendi, who will be eager to build on his first 45 minutes as a Gunner.