Mikel Arteta has his eyes on Premier League glory as his Arsenal squad sits top of the table with 14 games to go.
A lot can change over the remaining 14 games, but if there’s one thing about Arsenal this season, it’s that the Gunners are the most consistent side in the Premier League.
Whether that translates to the Premier League title touching down in N5 for the first time in 22 years remains to be seen, but as it stands, things look good for Arteta and co.
The Arsenal manager is building something special, not just collectively but individually too, as seen through how he’s completely transformed one of his summer signings.
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Mikel Arteta has transformed Martin Zubimendi
The best signing of Arsenal’s summer was Martin Zubimendi; there are few debates about that.
Martin Keown went as far as to say that Zubimendi is Europe’s best, which is a fair assessment given how much the 26-year-old has changed in such a short amount of time.
Arsenal beat Liverpool to Zubimendi’s signature, signing one of the hottest defensive midfielders in the world, but what Arteta has done to the Spaniard since is being massively overlooked.
The Basque midfielder was recognised as one of the best examples of the number six role in Spain, but since landing in England, his role has expanded.
We saw it against Leeds United, as Zubimendi scored his fifth goal for Arsenal, his fourth in the Premier League.
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Before signing for the Gunners, the Spain international’s best scoring season in La Liga was four goals, a tally he’s already matched in his opening 24 Premier League appearances.
That’s not even the most impressive part, however, as when looking at Zubimendi’s goal output as a whole, it’s remarkable what Arteta has done to activate the offensive strengths to his game.
Zubimendi left Real Sociedad with 10 goals in 236 appearances, a tally he’s five goals from matching in as few as 32 appearances for Arsenal.
The change in just six months has been stark, with credit to Arteta for seeing the potential in his summer purchase.
Zubimendi has blown Arteta’s mind
Arteta’s work with Zubimendi has been transformative, but it’s only happened so quickly because of the player himself.
Speaking in December, even Arteta didn’t think Zubimendi would adapt so seamlessly to Premier League football.
“You know how difficult it is to actually do it in this league immediately, but I think he’s been exceptional,” the boss said.
It’s been a sublime season so far for Zubimendi, whose form is made even better when remembering that he’s been a Gunner for just six months!
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