Declan Rice has been so impressed by how well Martin Zubimendi has taken to life at Arsenal, and he is backing him to ‘keep getting better’.
Rice and Zubimendi have formed a pivotal partnership at the Emirates Stadium, with the Spaniard allowing his midfield partner to play in a more advanced role.
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However, the pair have looked shattered over recent weeks, given the lack of cover for both, and the standard has dropped.
Irrespective of their current form, Rice has spoken highly of his teammate and backs them to become even better for the Gunners.
Declan Rice hails Martin Zubimendi’s impact at Arsenal
Declan Rice has been full of praise for Martin Zubimendi’s impact at Arsenal since his summer move from Real Sociedad.
The 27-year-old has proven to be one of the signings of the summer, despite his form over the past few months dropping off.
To make such a seamless transition from Spain to the Premier League has really impressed Rice, who thinks the best is yet to come from the midfielder.
Speaking about Zubimendi, Rice told TNT Sports: “It’s been a big role to fill because to come from Spain at a young age to the Premier League, it was probably one of the most intense Premier Leagues ever.
“It’s not easy, you know, but he’s really taken well to it. It’s his first season. He’s going to keep getting better. As a partnership in our first season, we’ve done really, really well up to this point.”
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Although Zubimendi was shocking against Bournemouth and looked like a shadow of the player from the start of the season.
The midfielder needs to fix up quickly, with two crucial matches just around the corner, including Sunday’s clash against Manchester City.
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Zubimendi looked panicked every time he had the ball during the 2-1 defeat to Bournemouth, and that pressure is only going to get bigger.
He must show that Rice is right about him getting better, with both the Champions League and Premier League reaching crucial stages this week.
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