Martín Zubimendi – Player Analysis

Martín Zubimendi joins Arsenal from Real Sociedad to be the missing piece in Arteta’s puzzle. The London club is putting €65 million on the table for his signing, making him one of the most necessary and exciting additions to the Gunners’ squad as they aim to compete at the highest level in every competition.

Who is Martín Zubimendi?

Born in San Sebastián, the Spanish defensive midfielder was born on February 2, 1999, in the Basque city. He has played for Real Sociedad since the age of 12, appearing in every age group with the San Sebastián team until making his first-team debut on April 28, 2019, against Getafe.

Even though he was signed to Real Sociedad B, Zubimendi gradually earned his place in the first team, establishing himself as a starter in the following seasons.

Currently, he has been a key player for Real Sociedad, with 48 appearances, two goals, and one assist. He has also become an important player for the Spanish national team, scoring the opening goal in the UEFA Nations League Final against Portugal, despite Spain’s defeat in the penalty shootout.

Without a doubt, he is a vital player for playmaking, build-up, and ball progression — a key figure who deserves to be analyzed in depth.

Martín Zubimendi – Player Analysis

A Very Complete Pivot

Compared to the rest of the midfielders in La Liga, Martín Zubimendi is the ideal defensive midfielder. In every aspect of defensive or passing performance — duels, dribbling, progressive actions — the Basque player exceeds the average. He is characterized as a hybrid pivot who does everything well.

Martín Zubimendi – Player Analysis
General graph of Martín Zubimendi. Source: Data MB

Among midfielders in the Spanish league, he’s the third-best in expected goals (excluding penalties) per shot (0.16). That means he scores a goal for every six shots he takes — a more than outstanding statistic for a pivot of his caliber.

He also stands out in defensive duels won (68%), being the sixth-best in the competition, and in interceptions per game (7), ranking ninth among the league’s midfielders. In other words, he’s not necessarily the best at everything, but he’s very good at everything. He’s that player who doesn’t get much attention but always delivers.

Martín Zubimendi – Player Analysis
Chart showing Zubimendi‘s best qualities and his ranking among La Liga’s midfielders. Source: Data MB

Zubimendi ranks as the fourth-best player among central midfielders in La Liga, tied with Luka Modric and only trailing Valverde, Pedri, and Santi Comesaña. Coaches and analysts regard him as one of the league’s most valuable midfielders thanks to his consistency, tactical intelligence, and key role in Real Sociedad’s game model.

Martín Zubimendi – Player Analysis
Zubimendi’s chart and comparison with other midfielders in La Liga. Source: Data MB

Omnipresence in Its Purest Form

His heatmap shows his complete presence in both the build-up and creative zones of the pitch.

Martín Zubimendi – Player Analysis
Heatmap of Martín Zubimendi in La Liga. Source: Sofascore

His contribution to possession play is essential — he has the ability to turn his body under pressure and connect easily with his teammates. However, when the team executes transitions or dominates in the opponent’s half, he is the player who directs the attack from deep, maintaining fluidity by exploiting space and passing behind the lines.

His usual starting position for Real Sociedad is as a defensive midfielder (69% of the time), and 31% of the time as an interior midfielder.

At Arsenal, he is expected to take on the pivot role in Arteta’s 4-3-3 system, with Ødegaard and Rice playing further forward to improve attacking options.

Martín Zubimendi – Player Analysis
Chart showing Zubimendi’s average position. Source: WhoScored

What Makes Him Different?

During the last season, Zubimendi had the most touches in open play for Real Sociedad (2,139), showing how involved he is in every phase of the game. He dominates the central zone of the pitch — especially the first half and the beginning of the second.

He covers the entire midfield with his forward runs and passes, making him the perfect pivot who links play and maintains control without wearing himself out physically.

Martín Zubimendi – Player Analysis
Chart related to Zubimendi’s touches in open play in La Liga 2024/25. Source: Opta

One of his standout traits is his consistency and accuracy in forward passing. In La Liga, he has completed 550 progressive passes with a 67% success rate, placing him 20th among defensive midfielders in the league.

Considering his high volume and importance in the team’s build-up, that 67% success rate makes him a very reliable pivot. Most of these passes go from the center to the wings — a key detail, especially considering Arsenal’s reliance on players like Saka and Martinelli.

Martín Zubimendi – Player Analysis
Chart related to Zubimendi’s forward passes. Source: Opta

Transfer and Contract Figures

Martín Zubimendi has become Arsenal’s new signing for €65 million, including bonuses. Why pay €65 million instead of triggering the €60 million release clause? Simple: the release clause would have to be paid in full immediately, whereas this transfer allows Arsenal to spread the payment over several installments.

At Real Sociedad, Zubimendi earned €3 million per year. At Arsenal, he will likely double his salary and become one of the squad’s ten highest-paid players. He has signed a contract until 2030.

Martín Zubimendi – Player Analysis
Table related to Zubimendi’s contract and salary at Real Sociedad. Source: Capology

The Best Companion for Ødegaard, Rice and Company

Compared to Arsenal’s more defensive midfielder, Thomas Partey, Zubimendi surpasses him in every key aspect: key passes, progressive passes, duels, defensive actions, carrying, and forward passes. The only area where Partey edges him is in forward pass effectiveness.

Martín Zubimendi – Player Analysis
Comparative chart between Zubimendi (blue) and Thomas Partey (red). Source: Data MB

There is no doubt: this is a necessary signing. Partey covered the position well, but at 32 years old, he is no longer at his peak. Zubimendi arrives at the perfect moment.

Arteta’s usual midfield will likely consist of Zubimendi, Ødegaard, and Declan Rice.

The combination of these three offers near-perfect balance. Zubimendi will sit behind and cover for the two more attack-minded midfielders when they push forward, ensuring stability and preventing midfield disconnection.

Martín Zubimendi – Player Analysis
Comparative chart between Zubimendi (blue), Ødegaard (purple), and Declan Rice (orange). Source: Data MB

The Missing Piece of the Puzzle

With Thomas Partey nearing the end of his peak years, Zubimendi arrives at Arsenal as a crucial player for a young, ambitious squad aiming to establish itself among the best in Europe.

This is not just a signing for the future — it’s a move for immediate impact. Zubimendi should adapt quickly to life in London, take on a central role in Arteta’s plans, and potentially lead the Gunners toward silverware this season.

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