Martin Zubimendi is the man in the spotlight for Spain as the Arsenal midfielder begins to show his worth to Luis de la Fuente.
Showing his worth is perhaps an understatement, as few players in the Spain squad have a place as secure as Zubimendi right now.
The midfielder is going from strength to strength for both club and country, with his focus on Spain over the November international break.
While his attention is temporarily away from the Emirates, Zubimendi was sure to impress Arsenal fans during his country’s win over Georgia, where he scored and ran the show.
Spanish media still can’t believe Arsenal beat Real Madrid to sign Martin Zubimendi
Spain’s media have issued high praise to Zubimendi, commending the Arsenal star for making Rodri’s absence seem insignificant.
Competition with the Manchester City ace isn’t the only narrative to have emerged in Spain following the win against Georgia, and those back in N5 will relish the feedback.
While describing Zubimendi as the player who ‘stands out above the rest’, Sport took the chance to commend Arsenal on securing his transfer.
Real Madrid’s interest in Zubimendi is an ongoing topic of discussion, with Sport bewildered that Los Blancos couldn’t beat the Gunners to the player’s transfer.
‘If there’s one club that should be regretting missing out on this footballing talent, it’s Real Madrid’, journalist Xavier Ortuno wrote.
After describing Zubimendi as the perfect fit for Real Madrid, Xabi Alonso was reminded of what his squad could’ve had, and Arsenal’s £51m expenditure looked all the more delightful.
‘Today, seeing the authority he displays for the national team, the decision is even less understandable,’ Ortuno said of Real Madrid’s failed transfer plan, heralding the midfielder’s form.
Gone are the days when Arsenal were a stepping stone on the pathway to clubs such as Real Madrid, as now, it’s those at the Bernabeu who are envious of what’s happening at the Emirates.
Zubimendi’s response to being Real Madrid’s missing piece
The Spaniard’s transfer to Arsenal was completed in July, so the matter of the move still being spoken about four months later is quite something.
For the player, it’s symbolic of his early success in the Premier League, but it’s also a topic that might be becoming rather frustrating and stagnant.
In October, Zubimendi spoke about his transfer links to Real Madrid, when he was specifically asked to comment on whether he was Alonso’s missing piece, a description still used a month down the line.
“We’re talking about very big clubs. To say that Madrid was missing a piece like me is saying something because all the players they have are spectacular,” he responded.
To follow, Zubimendi made it very clear that regardless of Madrid’s suspected interest, his choice was Arsenal, and he ‘went all in’ to make the move happen.
Real Madrid missed out, and Arsenal benefited tremendously, but just how long will the Spanish club regret their handling of the transfer?
Quite frankly, the Gunners won’t care.
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