Former Liverpool captain Steven Gerrard has openly expressed his admiration for Martin Zubimendi, highlighting the midfielder’s impressive performances since joining Arsenal. Since making the move to the Emirates Stadium in the summer, Zubimendi has adapted quickly to life in English football and has established himself as a key figure in the team’s midfield setup.
Arsenal have enjoyed a strong and consistent campaign, positioning themselves as serious contenders for major trophies. They remain firmly in the race for both the Premier League title and the UEFA Champions League, with their performances reflecting a well-balanced and disciplined squad.
At the heart of this success has been Zubimendi, whose role as a deep-lying midfielder has brought stability, composure, and tactical intelligence to the side. Operating as the team’s anchor, he has provided a strong foundation, helping control the tempo of matches while maintaining positional discipline.
Gerrard has been particularly impressed by the Spaniard’s football intelligence and ability to read the game. He believes that Zubimendi has thrived under the guidance of Mikel Arteta, who has entrusted him with significant responsibility in midfield. This trust has allowed the player to influence matches consistently, dictating play and ensuring that Arsenal maintain structure both in and out of possession.
Reflecting on his time at Real Sociedad, Gerrard also revealed that Liverpool had shown strong interest in signing Zubimendi before his eventual move to Arsenal.
The midfielder had been on Liverpool’s radar for an extended period, with the club closely monitoring his development in Spain. At one stage, a transfer to Anfield appeared to be a real possibility, as Liverpool were reportedly prepared to meet his release clause in order to secure his services.
However, despite the strong interest, Zubimendi ultimately chose to remain with Real Sociedad at the time, opting to continue his development in La Liga rather than make an immediate switch to the Premier League.
That decision proved pivotal, as it later allowed Arsenal to step in and complete the signing, bringing him to North London where he has since flourished.
Speaking about the situation, Gerrard admitted that Liverpool’s failure to secure Zubimendi was disappointing. He acknowledged that the club had identified his talent early and had followed his progress closely, making it frustrating that the move never materialised. At the same time, he was quick to praise Arsenal for capitalising on the opportunity, describing Zubimendi as a “fantastic” and highly intelligent player.
Ultimately, while there may be a sense of regret from Liverpool’s perspective, Arsenal are now reaping the benefits of securing a midfielder who has quickly become integral to their ambitions. Zubimendi’s influence continues to grow, and his presence in midfield is playing a crucial role in the club’s push for success on both domestic and European fronts.
