Spain’s media share their honest thoughts after seeing Martin Zubimendi play next to Arsenal’s Mikel Merino

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Arsenal fans will be watching the latest international fixtures with intrigue.

Arsenal have players in action around the world and in the UEFA Nations League semi-final clash between Spain and France, there was plenty for Gunners fans to get excited about.

William Saliba was missing for France due to the hamstring injury that ruled him out of Arsenal’s last Premier League game of the season against Southampton.

However, Mikel Merino started in Spain’s midfield and he was alongside Arsenal’s imminent signing Martin Zubimendi, the Spanish media have given their verdict on the performance.

READ MORE: Every Arsenal player not called up for June international duty, including William Saliba and Kai Havertz

Spanish media’s verdict on Martin Zubimendi and Mikel Merino

Spain ran out 5-4 winners on the night in an enthralling semi-final clash, Gunners transfer target Nico Williams scored the opening goal and impressed by providing an assist in the game too.

Merino was also on the score sheet and according to Spanish outlet AS, the Arsenal midfielder impressed throughout with his commanding display and believe Mikel Arteta has unlocked his attacking potential.

AS wrote: “He is more of a striker than a midfielder. As a striker he has played for Arsenal almost all season and every time he does it with the national team, he scores. It is fortunate that, in the absence of a born striker, players like Merino appear, who has aim. Stuttgart is his square.”

The outlet also gave their thoughts on Zubimendi’s performance and supporters will be pleased to read that they were impressed with him doing the ‘dirty’ side of the game.

They wrote on Zubimendi: “When Merino advanced his position and Pedri approached him, that’s when he brought out his full potential. The midfielder is an ungrateful position because he has to take out the dirty balls so that the one who passes close to him can take the clean balls. But he does that very well. It was activated and when it did, the National Team swept away.”

Martin Zubimendi fits perfectly into Mikel Arteta’s plans

The review from AS will be music to Arteta’s ears as he is bringing the £51m star to the Emirates Stadium to do exactly what he did for Spain.

Zubimendi will compete with Thomas Partey at the base of the Arsenal midfield, receiving the ball in tight spaces and playing quickly through the lines to enable the likes of Martin Odegaard and Declan Rice time and space.

Rice will achieve Arteta’s target by having the licence to play further forward and drive into the box knowing that Zubimendi is intelligent and athletic enough to cover the ground defensively behind him.

As for Merino, he once again proved he can be relied on in a number of positions and his versatility will be a great weapon for the Gunners again next season.