Martin Zubimendi is a huge fan of playing alongside Declan Rice, but it is the 26-year-old’s leadership which has really surprised the Spaniard.
Zubimendi has been a real revelation at Arsenal since his move from Real Sociedad, with the midfielder even helping to unlock Rice’s best form.
The midfield duo have formed one of the best pivots in the Premier League and have been a key component of Mikel Arteta’s team.
Ahead of the Gunners’ trip to face Chelsea, Arsenal’s new Spanish midfielder has been discussing his partnership with Rice at the heart of the Premier League leaders’ team.
Martin Zubimendi thinks Declan Rice has improved at Arsenal this season
Martin Zubimendi believes that Declan Rice has improved significantly at Arsenal this season, and the pair have contributed to one another’s successes.
Rice was outstanding against Bayern Munich on Wednesday and is starting to become one of the best midfielders in Europe.
Zubimendi has allowed Rice to play in a more advanced role, which in turn has helped the former West Ham captain to look seriously good.
Has Martin Zubimendi helped to improve Declan Rice at Arsenal?
When asked about his new Arsenal teammate, Zubimendi told Sky Sports: “One of the things that motivated me the most was playing with a player like Declan, who I think has been a top player until this year.
“But I think this year, from what I see and how happy he seems, he’s taking a leap forward, so I’m very happy to be able to help him in that aspect, and he helps me too.”
If Arsenal are to go on and win the Premier League, Arteta’s midfield double pivot is sure to be one of the biggest contributing factors.
Declan Rice has become a real leader at Arsenal, according to Martin Zubimendi
Meanwhile, the Spanish international has revealed that Rice’s willingness to step up and take on a leadership role for the Gunners has really surprised him.
Bukayo Saka has also recently hailed Rice’s leadership, showing that he brings more than just his quality on the pitch to Arteta’s squad.
“He’s a very complete player, physically, technically, set pieces, but his personality has also surprised me. He’s someone who wants to be a leader in the locker room, on the field,” added Zubimendi.
Declan Rice and Martin Zubimendi have such an impressive record together!
Arsenal’s record with Declan Rice and Martin Zubimendi together…
Matches: 16
Won: 13
Drawn: 2
Lost: 1
“For a teammate like me in midfield, I think it’s vital to have someone who wants to be a leader, who wants the ball, who helps you, who is the perfect complement.”
Arsenal will need the pair to perform well away at Stamford Bridge as they face Chelsea’s duo of Enzo Fernandez and Moises Caicedo.
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