Spanish media give verdict on Martin Zubimendi and Mikel Merino’s midfield partnership

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Arsenal fans will have eyes all around the globe as the first international break commences.

Mikel Arteta suffered disaster at this stage last season as captain Martin Odegaard picked up a serious ankle injury that ruled him out for two months.

Andrea Berta will be hoping that the Gunners now have a deep enough squad to cope with any injuries picked up, however, the fans will still be desperate for the players to return fully fit.

Arsenal’s midfield duo of Martin Zubimendi and Mikel Merino started for Spain in their latest FIFA World Cup qualifier and the Spanish media have had a lot to say about their display.

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Spanish media impressed with Arsenal duo Martin Zubimendi and Mikel Merino in 3-0 victory

Spain kicked off their 2026 World Cup qualifying campaign with an emphatic 3-0 win over Bulgaria and Arsenal’s stars played a huge role.

Zubimendi produced an assist for Mikel Oyarzabal to open the scoring inside five minutes with a wonderful defence-splitting pass into the forward.

Chelsea defender Marc Cucurella added a second before Merino demonstrated his considerable aerial prowess by rising highest from a corner to make it three before half time.

According to Spanish outlet Eldesmarque, the Gunners duo were excellent on the night and were both given a rating of 8/10 for their considerable contributions.

On Zubimendi, they wrote: “He continues as a starter waiting for Rodri to be 100% and allowed Spain to open the can with a great pass to Oyarzabal for the 0-1. Always a lot of security in the pass.”

On Merino, they wrote: “One of Luis de la Fuente’s novelties was the presence of the Arsenal player who, as in Stuttgart, rose to score with a header, in this case the third of the night, from Lamine Yamal’s cross. Tsenov prevented his brace under the posts and then with a save to the crossbar.”

Mikel Merino played a deeper role for Spain than he did for Arsenal against Liverpool

Peter Schmeichel criticised Arsenal for their style of play at Anfield and many believe that starting Merino in the advanced midfield role was a cautious step from Arteta.

However, Merino proved for his national side again that playing slightly deeper in a number eight role alongside Zubimendi is where his best position truly lies.

For Spain, Zubimendi is given licence to carry the ball through the lines and look for those incisive passes, knowing that Merino’s physicality is always close by.

Of course, Arteta has Declan Rice for that role at Arsenal, however, he will be pleased to know that he always has the option to change it around and the drop-off in standards will be minimal.