Arsenal defender William Saliba has joked that Martin Zubimendi has actually scored ‘too many goals’ for a number six this season.
The Spanish midfielder netted his fourth goal of the season against Chelsea and the Gunners’ third goal of the game, with Mikel Arteta’s team taking a lead back to the Emirates Stadium.
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Zubimendi has been one of the best signings of the Premier League season and has been such a key addition to Arsenal’s team for several reasons.
Saliba has now been talking up his teammate and detailed exactly why the 26-year-old is such an important player for Arsenal.
William Saliba hails Martin Zubimendi’s importance to Arsenal
William Saliba has hailed the importance of Martin Zubimendi, given how good he is at the base of Arsenal’s midfield.
The French defender is so impressed by the midfielder’s ability under pressure, and also his goal-scoring ability.
When asked about the importance of Zubimendi at Arsenal, Saliba told CBS Sports: “He’s a very good player!
“Very good under pressure, you can give him the ball with players on his back, and he never feels the pressure.
“So he’s so good with the ball and without the ball, and today as well we saw that he can score – he’s scored too many goals this season, to be honest, for a number six.
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“So it’s good to have him, and I’m sure that he will help us a lot to win some titles.”
Recently, Mikel Merino even questioned whether Zubimendi could be a new striker option for Arsenal following his impressive strike against Aston Villa.
It’s been so impressive how quickly Zubimendi has adapted to the Premier League, and he could play a huge part in the team finally lifting silverware this campaign.
Mikel Arteta compares Martin Zubimendi to Declan Rice
Meanwhile, Arteta has compared Zubimendi to Declan Rice and hailed his all-around qualities as a midfielder.
After the match, Arteta told Hayters TV: “When we talk about Zubi, what else can he do? He can do whatever he wants. It’s a bit similar to Declan’s qualities.
“We just have to keep unlocking that in his system in his brain because it’s so good at occupying different spaces, carrying the ball, dribbling, winning duels.
“He has a talent when he gets into the final set and into the box. He’s so composed. He sees the picture very clear.
“The picture actually is clear sometimes, so I know the parts of the pitch and what he’s done today. I think it’s phenomenal. Not only the goal but the performance as well.”
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