He is described as a Gen-Z’s Sergio Busquets. Liverpool have seen the potential of the Spanish international for several years, last summer the transfer was all but done, but the Merseyside club got the thumbs down from the protagonist himself. Under the year later, all arrows are pointing towards Arsenal for the defensive midfielder.
With both Jorghinho and Thomas Partey on their way out this summer, Arsenal have put a lot of effort into positioning themselves for Zubiminedi signing. According to various English media, the London club are well into negotiations that look set to send the 26-year-old to the Emirates.
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So how does this affect Martin Ødegaard, Declan Rice and the rest of Arsenal’s midfield?
The London newspaper The Standard has done its analysis, we hang on.
In at number 6
Use Zubimendi as no. 6. Declan Rice has played much of his career in this position, but with Zubimendi in here, Rice can be used in a more attacking role. The England international has famously impressed as No. 8 at Arsenal with assists and goals.
With this, Zubimendi can play behind Rice and Martin Ødegaard, breaking up the opponents’ play and starting the attack from deep.
Then Arsenal can stick with the traditional 4-3-3 system.
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“Double dance with Rice”
Mikel Arteta has previously shown Arsenal can succeed with a 4-2-3-1 formation. With Zubimendi, the coach can put the Spaniard and Rice in tandem, combining Rice’s physicality and power with Zubimendi’s extreme ability with the ball. This gives Ødegaard more room to be creative in a No. 10 central role.
This looks promising!
