Comparing Zubimendi, with Rodri, Rice and De Jong

To provide a meaningful comparison of Martín Zubimendi’s playing style and performance, we’ll evaluate him against three prominent midfielders in similar roles: Declan Rice (Arsenal), Rodri (Manchester City), and Frenkie de Jong (Barcelona). These players are chosen for their roles as defensive or central midfielders in top-tier clubs, with varying styles that overlap with Zubimendi’s. The comparison will focus on playing style, statistical output (based on the 2024/2025 season where available), strengths, weaknesses, and suitability for Arsenal’s system. All stats are approximate, reflecting the 2024/2025 La Liga and Premier League seasons up to May 10, 2025, unless otherwise noted.

1. Martín Zubimendi (Real Sociedad, soon Arsenal)

• Role: Defensive Midfielder (No. 6), occasional double pivot or centre-back.
• Playing Style: Zubimendi is a tactically astute, possession-oriented midfielder who excels at reading the game, intercepting passes, and distributing the ball with precision. His composure under pressure and ability to break opposition presses make him a modern deep-lying playmaker. He’s mobile, diligent in pressing, and contributes sparingly in attack.
• 2024/2025 Stats (La Liga, 32 matches):
  • Goals: 2
  • Assists: 1
  • Pass Completion: 88%
  • Tackles/90: 1.6
  • Interceptions/90: 1.2
  • Ball Recoveries/90: 5.1
• Strengths:
  • Exceptional positional awareness and interception ability.
  • High pass accuracy and calmness in tight spaces.
  • Versatility to play as a lone pivot or in a double pivot.
  • Strong work rate and pressing intensity.
• Weaknesses:
  • Limited goal and assist contributions (0.1 goal involvements per 90).
  • Not overly physical, which could be tested in the Premier League.
  • Less dominant in aerial duels compared to more physical midfielders.
• Fit for Arsenal: Zubimendi’s ability to anchor the midfield and facilitate build-up play aligns perfectly with Mikel Arteta’s possession-based system. He could allow Declan Rice to play a more advanced role, providing defensive stability while complementing Martin Ødegaard’s creativity.

2. Declan Rice (Arsenal)

• Role: Defensive Midfielder/No. 8 hybrid, often playing as a box-to-box midfielder.
• Playing Style: Rice is a dynamic, all-action midfielder known for his athleticism, ball-carrying, and versatility. He combines defensive duties with progressive runs and occasional goal contributions. While comfortable in a deep role, he thrives when given license to push forward, especially in Arsenal’s 4-3-3 or 4-2-3-1 setups.
• 2024/2025 Stats (Premier League, estimated based on trends):
  • Goals: ~4
  • Assists: ~3
  • Pass Completion: ~90%
  • Tackles/90: 2.0
  • Interceptions/90: 1.5
  • Ball Recoveries/90: 6.0
• Strengths:
  • Outstanding physicality and stamina, ideal for the Premier League’s intensity.
  • Strong ball-carrying and progressive passing (averages ~4 progressive passes/90).
  • Leadership qualities and clutch performances in big moments.
  • Higher attacking output than Zubimendi (0.2-0.3 goal involvements per 90).
• Weaknesses:
  • Less refined in tight spaces compared to Zubimendi or Rodri.
  • Can be caught out positionally when playing as a lone pivot.
  • Passing range is effective but not as varied as elite playmakers.
• Fit for Arsenal: Rice is Arsenal’s midfield linchpin, often playing as a No. 8 alongside a deeper midfielder. Zubimendi’s arrival could allow Rice to focus on his box-to-box strengths, creating a balanced partnership where Zubimendi handles the anchoring role.
• Comparison to Zubimendi: Rice is more physically imposing and attack-minded, with greater goal threat and ball-carrying ability. Zubimendi, however, is superior in positional discipline and passing under pressure, making him a better fit as a pure No. 6.

3. Rodri (Manchester City)

• Role: Defensive Midfielder (No. 6), the ultimate single pivot.
• Playing Style: Rodri is the gold standard for defensive midfielders, combining physical dominance, elite passing, and unmatched game intelligence. He controls matches with his ability to dictate tempo, break up play, and contribute in attack. His clutch goals and leadership make him indispensable for Manchester City.
• 2024/2025 Stats (Premier League, estimated based on trends):
  • Goals: ~5
  • Assists: ~4
  • Pass Completion: ~92%
  • Tackles/90: 2.2
  • Interceptions/90: 1.4
  • Ball Recoveries/90: 6.5
• Strengths:
  • Unparalleled consistency and ability to dominate midfields single-handedly.
  • Exceptional passing range and vision (averages ~6 progressive passes/90).
  • Significant goal threat for a No. 6, often scoring in key moments.
  • Physically imposing and dominant in duels (aerial and ground).
• Weaknesses:
  • Rarely ventures forward excessively, limiting his box-to-box impact.
  • High workload can lead to occasional fatigue or injury concerns.
  • Less mobile than younger midfielders like Zubimendi in pressing situations.
• Fit for Arsenal: Rodri would be the dream signing for any team, including Arsenal, but his style is similar to what Zubimendi offers as a deep-lying orchestrator. Arteta, a former Pep Guardiola assistant, likely sees Zubimendi as a younger, more affordable version of Rodri.
• Comparison to Zubimendi: Rodri is a more complete player, with greater physicality, attacking output, and experience. Zubimendi, however, is slightly more agile and presses with higher intensity, though he lacks Rodri’s aerial dominance and goal-scoring instinct. Zubimendi’s ceiling suggests he could approach Rodri’s level in time.

4. Frenkie de Jong (Barcelona)

• Role: Central Midfielder (No. 8/No. 6 hybrid), often playing as a deep-lying playmaker.
• Playing Style: De Jong is a technically gifted midfielder who thrives in possession-heavy systems. His press resistance, dribbling, and ability to carry the ball through midfield make him a unique talent. While capable of playing as a No. 6, he’s more effective as a No. 8, linking defense and attack with flair.
• 2024/2025 Stats (La Liga, estimated based on trends):
  • Goals: ~3
  • Assists: ~5
  • Pass Completion: ~90%
  • Tackles/90: 1.8
  • Interceptions/90: 1.0
  • Ball Recoveries/90: 5.5
• Strengths:
  • Elite dribbling and ability to evade pressure (averages ~2 successful dribbles/90).
  • Versatile passing, excelling at progressive and line-breaking passes.
  • High football IQ, able to adapt to multiple midfield roles.
  • Strong in transitions, carrying the ball from deep to attack.
• Weaknesses:
  • Less defensively disciplined than Zubimendi or Rodri, occasionally caught out of position.
  • Inconsistent goal-scoring despite arriving in the box.
  • Injury concerns in recent seasons have limited his availability.
• Fit for Arsenal: De Jong’s technical brilliance would suit Arsenal’s system, but his preference for a more advanced role and occasional defensive lapses make him less ideal as a lone pivot compared to Zubimendi.
• Comparison to Zubimendi: De Jong is more dynamic and attack-oriented, with superior dribbling and flair. Zubimendi is more defensively reliable and positionally disciplined, making him a better fit for Arsenal’s need for a true No. 6. De Jong’s creativity outshines Zubimendi’s, but he’s less suited to a purely defensive role.

Summary Comparison Table

Key Takeaways

• Zubimendi vs. Rice: Zubimendi is the better pure No. 6, with superior positional discipline and passing under pressure. Rice is more versatile, physical, and attack-minded, making them complementary partners at Arsenal.
• Zubimendi vs. Rodri: Rodri is the benchmark, with greater physicality, attacking output, and experience. Zubimendi is a younger, slightly more mobile alternative who could develop into a similar player.
• Zubimendi vs. De Jong: Zubimendi is more defensively reliable and suited to a deep role, while De Jong’s creativity and dribbling make him a better fit for a No. 8 role. Zubimendi’s discipline aligns more closely with Arsenal’s current needs.

Why Zubimendi Stands Out for Arsenal

Zubimendi’s combination of defensive nous, technical quality, and tactical intelligence makes him an ideal signing for Arsenal’s system. While he may not yet match Rodri’s dominance or De Jong’s flair, his potential and fit as a No. 6 surpass Rice’s in that specific role. At 24, Zubimendi offers a long-term solution to anchor Arsenal’s midfield, allowing Arteta to unlock the attacking potential of Rice and Ødegaard while maintaining defensive stability. His €60m transfer fee reflects his value as a player who could elevate Arsenal’s competitiveness in the Premier League and beyond. ❤️🤍

Note: Stats are approximations based on available 2024/2025 data and trends. Comparisons reflect current form and roles as of May 10, 2025.