Story by[BBC]Nicola Pearson - BBC Sport journalistSat, January 17, 2026 at 11:43 AM UTC·3 min readHis midfield team-mate has said the "way his brain works is ridiculous", while his manager has insisted "he can do whatever he wants". With so much of the focus on Arsenal's need for a striker in the summer, the arrival of midfielder Martin Zubimendi, and his seamless transition into the team since, has gone a little under the radar. AdvertisementAdvertisementAdvertisementWhen your partner in the centre of the park is one of the most expensive players in British football history, the spotlight has shone even further away. According to boss Mikel Arteta, 26-year-old Zubimendi is "very humble" and has already earned the "respect of everyone" at the club, as well as supporters. It is easy to understand why. With more than 2,300 minutes under his belt this season, Zubimendi has racked up more time on the pitch than any Gunners outfield player. As a defensive midfielder, his job is not a glamorous one and yes, he may have pitched in with four goals and an assist so far, but that is not what his team-mates and manager are relying on. AdvertisementAdvertisementAdvertisementHe has quietly gone about his business protecting the defence and providing a link to those further up the field - and it shows. According to Opta, the Spain international tops the ranks among the Arsenal squad for interceptions (31) and successful passes in the opposition half (782) this term, while he comes second for tackles made (44), possession won (97) and successful passes (1,419)."He delivers in every aspect of a midfielder's game and he always contributes. That's what sets him apart, what allows him to excel the way he has at Real Sociedad since he came into the first team," Spanish journalist and Real Sociedad expert Roberto Ramajo previously told BBC Sport."Martin has very good tactical ability. He knows how to occupy space on the pitch almost perfectly and he reads his team's needs very well when it comes to helping his team-mates."AdvertisementAdvertisementAdvertisementOne of those colleagues to have really felt the difference is Declan Rice. By taking on more of the load of the so-called "dirty work" in midfield, it has allowed the England international to be more involved in the offensive side of the game. Rice already has just over half the goal contributions he registered for the whole of last campaign and, thanks to Arsenal still fighting on all four fronts, could top last year's figure of 19. And when comparing his figures from 2024-25 to this season on a per-game basis (as seen in the table above), it shows how there has been a reduction in the more defensive side of play, while an increase in areas like chances created, successful passes in the opposition half and forward passes. AdvertisementAdvertisementAdvertisementIf Arteta's side do go on to win silverware this season, with added protection for the defence and freedom allowing Rice to go forwards, Zubimendi could in fact prove to be their most pivotal acquisition.
