Spain’s media were divided on Martin Zubimendi’s performance against Turkey despite 6-0 win

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Arsenal midfielder Martin Zubimendi played 73 minutes for Spain as they thrashed Turkey 6-0 in a World Cup qualifier.

The deep-lying playmaker impressed in the middle of the park for his national team, leading the European Champions to a convincing victory in Konya.

Mikel Merino scored a hat-trick in the clash, while a brace from Pedri and a strike from Ferran Torres saw off Turkey.

The result sees Spain stay top of their qualification group, accumulating six points from their opening two matches.

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Spain’s media react to Martin Zubimendi’s performance against Turkey

Zubimendi has shone for Arsenal in the opening period of the new season, and has subsequently been nominated for the Gunners’ player of the month award for August.

Now starting regularly for Spain as Rodri looks to rebuild his fitness, the Basque star is at the top of his game.

However, deployed in a midfield trio alongside Merino and Pedri against Turkey, Zubimendi was somewhat overshadowed by the two, who scored five goals between them on the night.

Spanish publication Eldesmarque claimed Zubimendi ‘shone less’ than in other matches for Spain, due to the lack of a midfield presence in the match generally.

“It was a game without a midfield, and perhaps that’s why he shone less than on other occasions, as the Turkish defence was almost always broken,” they wrote, whilst awarding him a six out of ten.

“Even so, he was accurate with the ball and tactically correct.”

Meanwhile, Mundo Deportivo were much more positive about Zubimendi’s efforts. The outlet awarded the 26-year-old a seven out of ten, describing his display as ‘superlative’.

“He once again became the team’s pivot and the person in charge of constructing all of Luis De La Fuente’s team’s static plays,” the publication wrote.

Martin Zubimendi’s statistics vs Turkey

In reality, this was merely a run-of-the-mill Zubimendi performance.

The midfield maestro’s level is consistently high, and he did everything he normally does for Spain against Turkey.

Conducting the pace of Spain’s attacks by picking the ball up in deep areas and progressing the play, he was also able to successfully screen La Roja’s defence, whilst Pedri and Merino roamed forward.

Completing 94% of his passes and playing five passes into the final third, he was both excellent at retaining possession and at getting the ball up the pitch.

Mikel Arteta would no doubt have been watching how his compatriots got on for Spain, and would’ve been perfectly content with what he saw.