Mikel Arteta says even he has been surprised by one Arsenal player this season, he’s ‘exceptional’

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Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has every reason to be delighted with his players this season.

The Gunners were handed a very tough start to the new campaign, with games against Manchester United, Liverpool, Manchester City and Newcastle United in the first six weeks.

Despite the difficult fixture list, Arsenal are on top of the Premier League table after eight games, and the players deserve enormous credit for that.

One player in particular has been amazing, so much so that even Arteta has been taken aback – Martin Zubimendi.

Mikel Arteta says Martin Zubimendi has surprised him at Arsenal

Arsenal signed Zubimendi from Real Sociedad in the summer.

The Spaniard had been on the Gunners’ radar for a couple of years, and Mikel Arteta finally got his man before the start of this season.

Zubimendi has been excellent in the middle of the park for Arsenal. He has scored two goals as well and seems to have adapted brilliantly despite the fact that he had never played in the Premier League before.

That is really impressive. Even Arteta has claimed that the midfielder’s speed of adaptation has blown him away.

After Marca likened him to Manchester City star Rodri, Arteta told the outlet: “I don’t like comparisons. I think ‘Zubi’ has to make his own way, and he’s doing so.

“Since he has arrived, his impact on the team has been exceptional, and that’s very difficult.

“I’ve seen many midfielders reach the Premier League, coming from top positions in other leagues, and they’ve struggled. It has taken them a year or two to become who they are.

“The speed and ease with which he’s adapting is surprising.”

Martin Zubimendi will get even better at Arsenal

Zubimendi deserves all the praise he has been getting in recent weeks.

Arsenal really have struck gold with the Spaniard, who has been fantastic in all phases of the game in the famous red and white.

However, we think the best of Zubimendi is yet to come.

The former Real Sociedad man is still building relationships on the pitch, and once he is fully familiar with his teammates, he will become even better.

Furthermore, Zubimendi is still only 26, which means he will not enter the prime of his career for at least another year.

We can’t wait to see how good he will be when that happens.