Martin Zubimendi: Is midfielder Arsenal’s best player?

Arsenal players change positions to make it harder for opponents to pick them off. They aim to maintain the balance of the side in this fluid game. Zubimendi, like the others, frees up his space according to the movements of his teammates.

Against Chelsea, Bukayo Saka dropped into a deep position, creating space on the right wing that allowed Zubimendi to move into this area. Far-side midfielder Rice filled in in defensive midfield, ensuring Arsenal’s shape remained similar, only with different players arriving in each area.

It is unusual to see a defensive midfielder making such adventurous runs off the ball, but this appears to be the next step up from the more popular use of roving full-backs such as Riccardo Calafiori, Nuno Mendes and Marc Cucurella.

The logic is that players tasked with marking defenders are unlikely to guard them that closely. It’s rare to find defenders with the attacking quality to contribute in the final third, but Zubimendi has the skill to punish teams like this.

Defenses set up in a low block often drop deeper when facing a winger or a striker trying to run in behind. It creates space in front of the defense instead of the penalty area.

Arsenal spend much of the game unlocking deep defences. This allows Zubimendi to get into a position to receive a pass without the huddle, before immediately executing his idea. This could be a delicate through ball or a hard chip over the top; There may be riskier passes that raise new questions for deep defenses.

Alternatively, when Zubimendi sits at the base of midfield, Rice is free to move and move with the attackers, knowing there is protection behind him.

And the England international is likely to feel confident playing freely after seeing his 190cm teammate beat Newcastle’s 6ft 6in striker Nick Wolte with a header earlier this season.

Meanwhile, Zubimendi’s willingness to shoot from distance gave Arsenal a much-needed opening goal against Nottingham Forest and Sunderland, which subsequently opened up more space for Arsenal as their opponents were forced to play more adventurously.

“If the space isn’t in one place, it will be somewhere else,” Arteta said, and long shots against deep defenses have become an increasingly valid tactic this season.

Therefore, signing Zubimendi could not be more timely.