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Born on February 2, 1999, in San Sebastián, Spain, Zubimendi joined Real Sociedad's youth academy in 2011 at the age of 12. He progressed through the club's ranks, making his senior debut with Real Sociedad C in 2016. He later played for Real Sociedad B before making his first-team debut in April 2019. Since then, he has become a key player for the club, amassing over 170 appearances.

Internationally, Zubimendi has represented Spain at various youth levels and made his senior debut in June 2021. He was part of the Spain squad that won the UEFA Nations League in 2023 and the UEFA European Championship in 2024.

Known for his tactical intelligence, composure, and passing ability, Zubimendi has drawn comparisons to players like Sergio Busquets and Xabi Alonso.

As of May 2025, there are reports suggesting that Arsenal have agreed to sign Zubimendi from Real Sociedad for a fee of £50 million.

As he sign for arsenal already, base on your knowledge of football stats, would you like to provide a complete analysis like a pro about how fit him in Arteta’s tactic.

ChatGPT said:

Arsenal have reportedly agreed a £50 million deal to sign Martín Zubimendi from Real Sociedad, marking their first summer signing.

🔍 Tactical Fit: Zubimendi in Arteta’s Arsenal

🧠 Role in Midfield Structure

Zubimendi is expected to assume the deep-lying midfield role, allowing Declan Rice to operate in a more advanced position. This shift could enable Arsenal to adopt a more traditional 4-3-3 formation, enhancing their midfield dynamics.

📊 Statistical Profile

In the 2024/25 season, Zubimendi recorded:

• Pass Accuracy: 83.7%

• Progressive Passes per 90: 6.88

• Key Passes per 90: 0.75

• Tackles and Interceptions per 90: 4.13

These metrics indicate his proficiency in both ball progression and defensive duties.

🔄 Comparison with Thomas Partey

While Thomas Partey boasts a higher pass accuracy (88%), Zubimendi surpasses him in progressive passes and key passes per 90 minutes. This suggests Zubimendi's potential to enhance Arsenal's forward momentum from midfield. Arsenal Insider

🔄 Strategic Implications

Zubimendi's integration could lead to:G3 Football

• Enhanced Ball Retention: His composure under pressure aids in maintaining possession.

• Improved Transition Play: His ability to intercept and distribute quickly can facilitate swift counter-attacks.

• Midfield Stability: His presence allows for a more balanced midfield, potentially reducing reliance on individual brilliance.

🧩 Potential Challenges

Adapting to the Premier League's physicality and pace may pose initial challenges for Zubimendi. However, his tactical intelligence and experience at the international level suggest a capacity for swift adaptation.

How fit is Zubimendi with Arteta’s inverted fullback style that played by smelly or other player in term of defend and offensive position?

The inverted fullback is a modern tactical role in football where a fullback (usually a right- or left-back) moves inward into central midfield areas during the build-up phase rather than staying wide along the touchline.

Key Functions of an Inverted Fullback:

1. Central Overload: They help create numerical superiority in midfield by joining the pivot line (e.g., alongside or near a defensive midfielder).

2. Progressive Passing Hub: With their central position, they can facilitate quick passing combinations, recycle possession, and help control the tempo.

3. Defensive Transition Balance: They’re well-positioned to counter-press or stop counter-attacks quickly after possession loss.

4. Positional Rotation: They allow wingers to stay high and wide, while they occupy more compact zones inside, supporting both attack and defense.

5. Flexible Build-up Shape: Often contributes to a 3-2 or 2-3 shape during the first phase of possession.

Examples of Inverted Fullbacks:

• Oleksandr Zinchenko (Arsenal): Under Mikel Arteta, Zinchenko often tucks into midfield from left-back.

• João Cancelo (at Man City & Bayern): A classic example under Guardiola’s system.

• Joshua Kimmich (formerly at Bayern): Used this role before transitioning to full-time midfield.

Let’s break down how Martín Zubimendi fits into Arteta’s inverted fullback system, particularly when players like Oleksandr Zinchenko or Takehiro Tomiyasu invert into midfield.

1. Tactical Framework at Arsenal:

Arteta typically builds in a 3-2 shape, with:

• One fullback (usually Zinchenko or White) inverting into midfield,

• The #6 (usually Declan Rice or previously Partey) anchoring,

• This creates a double pivot in possession, supporting buildup and controlling midfield transitions.

2. Zubimendi’s Fit in This Structure

Defensive Role Synergy:

• Zubimendi is positionally disciplined and rarely pulled out of shape.

• He’s a natural pivot, shielding the back line when an inverted fullback vacates the back four.

• His positional awareness allows the inverted fullback more freedom because he covers lateral spaces excellently — ideal in counter-pressing or when the shape becomes temporarily unbalanced.

Verdict: Zubimendi’s timing and reading of play make him very compatible with inverted fullbacks — he plugs gaps effectively when others step forward.

Offensive Role Synergy:

• He doesn’t dribble like a box-to-box (e.g., Rice), but:

  • Plays clean, vertical passes to break lines.

  • Controls tempo with short and mid-range passing.

  • Offers an outlet for rotations with the inverted fullback (they can push higher while he sits deeper).

• He's less likely to overlap or bomb forward, but he excels in orchestrating play behind the attacking midfielders — complementing Arsenal's fluid 8s (like Ødegaard).

Verdict: Not a flashy progressor, but a calm, technical anchor that enables others (like Zinchenko or White) to invert confidently and playmake.

3. Comparison with Current Arsenal Setup

Tactical ElementThomas Partey / RiceZubimendi FitBall retention under pressGoodExcellentTactical disciplineMixed (Partey risky)HighSupport to inverted FBSolidOutstanding positional synergyProgressive passingRice improvingClean, vertical passing under controlInterceptions & recoveryRice eliteStrong anticipation, reads transitions well

Zubimendi is an ideal #6 for a system using inverted fullbacks:

• He provides balance, cover, and tactical intelligence.

• While he won’t charge forward like Rice or Partey occasionally do, his discipline and tempo control allow others to take risks.

• His presence could even free Zinchenko to invert more aggressively, knowing there's a rock behind.

Would you like a visual diagram of this setup?

Let's delve into how Martín Zubimendi would integrate into Mikel Arteta’s inverted fullback system at Arsenal, focusing on both defensive and offensive phases.

🧠 Tactical Integration: Zubimendi in Arteta’s System

🔄 Defensive Phase

In Arteta's setup, when fullbacks like Oleksandr Zinchenko invert into midfield, the team often adopts a 3-2 build-up shape. Zubimendi's role as the lone pivot is crucial here.

• Positional Awareness: Zubimendi exhibits exceptional positional discipline, often staying behind the ball to shield the defense.

• Interceptions and Duels: He ranks among the top in defensive duels at Real Sociedad, showcasing his ability to disrupt opposition play. Coaches' Voice

⚙️ Offensive Phase

When in possession, Arsenal often transitions into a 2-3-5 or 3-2-5 formation, with inverted fullbacks contributing to midfield overloads.

• Ball Progression: Zubimendi excels in short, incisive passes, maintaining possession and facilitating transitions from defense to attack.

• Spatial Awareness: He adeptly positions himself to provide passing options, ensuring fluid ball movement and supporting the inverted fullback's advanced positioning. Total Football Analysis Magazine

🧩 Conclusion

Zubimendi's attributes align seamlessly with Arteta's tactical demands:

• Defensive Solidity: His ability to read the game and intercept plays provides a safety net when fullbacks advance.

• Offensive Support: His proficiency in maintaining possession and facilitating ball progression complements the inverted fullback's role in midfield.

In essence, Zubimendi offers both the defensive assurance and offensive support necessary for the effective implementation of Arteta's inverted fullback strategy.