Top News

Arsenal are the clear favourites to clinch this season’s Premier League crown. With roughly a third of the campaign remaining, Mikel Arteta’s men have put themselves in a commanding position, and it would take quite a collapse for them to lose grip now. The success has been built on collective effort, with every member of Arteta’s squad playing their part, but when it comes to individual recognition, why shouldn’t Martin Zubimendi be the one leading the conversation?

Signed from Real Sociedad for £55.8 million ($76.3m) last summer, the Spanish midfielder has settled seamlessly into life at the Emirates Stadium. He embodies the qualities of Arsenal players from their most successful eras and is now helping the team push for their first league title in 22 years.

Zubimendi’s adaptation to the Premier League has been remarkably smooth, and he already looks like an experienced professional. Yet, despite his consistent displays, he hasn’t received the acclaim he deserves — a situation that surely needs to change.

Showing Liverpool what they missed

Zubimendi first grabbed the attention of English fans in 2024. Before becoming the centre of a transfer saga, he had already shown his class by effortlessly replacing Rodri in Spain’s Euro final triumph over England. Though Manchester City’s Rodri would later win the Ballon d’Or that year, many felt his case was weakened by how Spain hardly missed him thanks to Zubimendi’s impressive performance.

“He’s a great player,” Rodri had said about his La Roja teammate last year. “He has the discipline and mentality to become one of the best, if he isn’t already. I told him recently that it’s his time now — I’m leaving him the keys to the team.”

After helping Spain to Euro 2024 glory, Liverpool made a strong attempt to lure Zubimendi away from his boyhood club Real Sociedad. He was seen as the ideal midfield anchor for new manager Arne Slot’s system. Initially open to the move, Zubimendi eventually changed his mind — reportedly after Mikel Arteta personally intervened and persuaded him to wait for Arsenal’s approach a year later.

That decision proved pivotal. While Liverpool edged Arsenal by 10 points to win the 2024-25 Premier League title, their midfield trio of Ryan Gravenberch, Alexis Mac Allister, and Dominik Szoboszlai have failed to replicate that form this season. Arsenal, in contrast, now appear more complete and balanced than ever.

Perfect partner for Rice

Zubimendi’s transition has been aided by having Declan Rice — a £105m ($144m) star — alongside him. Even so, integrating into Arteta’s disciplined setup is no easy task given the well-established core of the team.

“It’s been so easy to play with him,” Rice said of Zubimendi this season. “We only signed him in the summer, and usually it takes time to build a connection. But from our first pre-season session, I knew we’d play some great football together.

“He’s such a good person and player. Our understanding on the pitch has been outstanding. He’s the Spain No.6 — and we all know how good Spanish No.6s are. They’re the best at building play, turning on the ball, finding forward passes, and creating space. That’s exactly what he brings.

“We all trust him with the ball. Even under pressure, it’s easy to give him possession because he’s so composed. He’s been unbelievable for us.”

The partnership between Zubimendi and Rice blends modern tactical intelligence with traditional balance — one stays while the other pushes forward. They complement each other perfectly: both can carry the ball, evade pressure, and contribute defensively and offensively. Zubimendi’s passing vision and poise combine with Rice’s physicality and drive, making them one of the most complete midfield pairings in the league. Both are now valuable goal threats in a side whose forwards haven’t been prolific.

Unexpected goal threat

During his seven years at Real Sociedad, Zubimendi’s highest seasonal goal tally was four, achieved in 2023-24. In his other seasons, his numbers were modest — zero, zero, zero, three, one, and two. Yet, he already has six goals in 34 appearances for Arsenal.

His most recent goal came in Arsenal’s 3-0 win over Sunderland, when he fired a stunning long-range strike off the inside of the post to open the scoring. Unlike some of his earlier goals that came from advanced runs or headers, this showcased his growing confidence and versatility.

“He’s contributing in ways we didn’t completely expect,” Arteta said after that game. “He has a natural instinct and quality to make an impact around the box.”

This is precisely what defines elite midfielders — the ability to evolve and add new dimensions to their game. Declan Rice himself followed a similar trajectory at West Ham, developing new skills every year until he became the complete midfielder Arsenal were willing to pay nine figures for. Similarly, Rodri’s Ballon d’Or triumph came after a season in which he scored nine goals for Manchester City, eight of those in the Premier League.

The final piece of Arsenal’s puzzle

Many expected Arsenal’s title-winning upgrade to come with the signing of a new striker. Viktor Gyokeres, who joined to much fanfare, has scored 13 goals in 32 games but has often looked unsure in general play. The inconsistent form of Kai Havertz and Gabriel Jesus, along with Bukayo Saka’s dip after hamstring surgery, has left Arsenal short of attacking firepower.

In stepped Zubimendi, taking on more responsibility in both buildup and end product. He could easily have used the “adaptation period” excuse common among foreign signings, but instead, he embraced the challenge and flourished — fulfilling and exceeding expectations of his original role.

Arsenal’s best performer?

It’s difficult to separate Arsenal’s top performers this season. Gyokeres leads the scoring charts with 13 goals, followed by Gabriel Martinelli on 10 and Saka on seven. However, none have been consistently dominant enough to be considered the standout player of the season.

Gabriel Magalhaes looked an early contender due to his set-piece prowess, but injury and tactical adjustments from opponents have curbed his influence. That has allowed others, like Zubimendi, to shine.

Only Declan Rice has featured in more games than Zubimendi this season — 35 to 34 — and both usually play the full 90 minutes. The battle for Arsenal’s Player of the Season could come down to these two midfield generals.

The Player of the Year debate

Historically, Player of the Year awards tend to go to the standout player from the title-winning side. In the past five years, Mohamed Salah (2021-22) is the only exception, having won despite Liverpool finishing second due to his remarkable individual campaign. This season, there’s little argument for anyone outside the Arsenal camp.

At Manchester City, Erling Haaland remains in contention for the Golden Boot, while Antoine Semenyo is also among the top scorers. Yet, neither has produced a season of similar all-round influence. Unlike 2008-09, when Ryan Giggs claimed the award for his legacy during Manchester United’s collective success, this year’s race seems destined to stay within Arsenal’s ranks.

If Arsenal continue their dominant run and reclaim the Premier League title, Martin Zubimendi’s name deserves to be firmly in the mix for Player of the Season. Few have contributed more quietly — yet more effectively — to their team’s success.