Martín Zubimendi
A disciplined, intelligent screening midfielder — clean in possession, sharp in reading play, and comfortable as the anchor of a double pivot.
Playing Style Summary
Zubimendi is a Real Sociedad academy graduate who moved to Arsenal in July 2025 and became a cornerstone of the side that won the 2025-26 Premier League, playing in every league match alongside Declan Rice in the double pivot. He is a positional, low-risk midfielder: he reads danger early, screens passing lanes and keeps possession moving with short, precise distribution. He is also more of a goal threat than his profile suggests, as his double against Nottingham Forest showed.
Defining Traits
Reading of Play
Anticipates the opponent's next pass and steps into the lane early — he wins the ball through position more than through the tackle itself.
Clean Circulation
Short, quick and accurate distribution that keeps possession flowing — he rarely tries the low-percentage pass when a safer option progresses play.
Pivot Discipline
Holds the central zone when his partner pushes on, protecting the centre-backs and keeping the team's rest-defence intact.
Late Arrival
Picks moments to arrive at the edge of the box for second balls and set-piece situations, adding an unexpected goal threat.
Strengths
- Excellent positional sense and anticipation as a screening midfielder
- Secure, tempo-keeping distribution under pressure
- Tactical discipline in a double pivot and in rest-defence
- Comfortable stepping in as a like-for-like replacement for Rodri with Spain
- Occasional goal threat from late runs and set pieces
Limitations
- Not an explosive ball-carrier — progresses play more by passing than by dribbling
- Less dynamic than box-to-box midfielders in covering large distances in transition
- Faces stronger competition for a starting place at Arsenal following the summer 2026 midfield signings
More Spain players
See the full squad →Fabián Ruiz
“A left-footed interior with a playmaker's vision — calm on the ball, sharp in the press, and a regular scorer of big-tournament goals.”
Gavi
“Relentless energy with a La Masia touch — a pressing machine who combines in tight spaces and plays every duel as if it decides the match.”
Mikel Merino
“The midfielder who became a centre-forward — a tall, tireless box-arriver whose late runs, aerial power and pressing intensity make him a tactical multi-tool.”
Álex Baena
“A left-footed chance machine — a wide playmaker who values tempo over possession and looks for the most damaging pass at every touch.”
Dani Olmo
“The between-the-lines specialist — a two-footed number 10 who finds pockets, turns under pressure and turns half-chances into goals.”
Lamine Yamal
“The inverted winger as playmaker — a left-footed right winger who dribbles, creates and scores from the right half-space like a veteran.”
The Bench View app
Want to play like Zubimendi? Train it.
Everything you read here, turned into training you can follow step by step.
Physical training at home
AI daily sessions adapted to your level and position. No equipment needed.
Tactical training courses
Step-by-step courses on positioning, pressing, build-up and decision making.
- 7 days free
- No commitment
- Cancel anytime
Free account: 2 physical sessions + the first tactical course. PRO: 7-day free trial — cancel before day 8 and you pay nothing.
