Martin Zubimendi (36)

Odegaard at 6. rest Zubimendi

He’s looking tired. First season, in a new country and league. We need him firing for the second half of the season.

He’s been doing well allround.
Still a downgrade on Partey though.

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I thought downgrade when we signed him. Now, I just think he’s a different player. He’s been really good.

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I’ve been massively surprised with his willingness to get into the final third this season.

He’s a bit like 2011 Alex Song :sol:

Btw, even more impressed with his fitness levels, in his first season in the league. Has a great engine and always looks sharp. Never expected him to be able to play in this level of intensity, on a longer term. Didn’t expect him to be this good physically.

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Absolutely world-class tonight.

Top performer.

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https://x.com/m1nuyln2/status/2006115332893618474?s=46&t=eJpgg6uHWRsStnASv-OePg

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I’m blaming this jump when he gets injured

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I don’t think he was THAT influential in the middle primarily. Was OK/good imo.

All the outside connotations aside and all, Partey was the better midfielder, no doubt for me.

Not using this to criticise Zubi, or to praise Partey for whatever reason… just using him as a reference point.
Zubi’s midfield job has been very good so far, but I’m still yet to be overly impressed.

Still has room to improve. He’s an intelligent player. I expect him to do better the more he plays.
Excellent for his first season. Rodri probably wasn’t this good at the start (was a clear downgrade on Fernandinho in the early days). Partey had plenty of issues too.

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So harsh…I think Zubi has been one of our best and most consistent players this season and he was excellent tonight again IMO.

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Great goal and he’s been top class this season. Our midfield got completely overran in that first half. Average performance.

As our only defensive midfielder, had to cover so much in that game and it showed in the first half hour or so. But without him we would definitely have conceded first. MOTM for me

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Too many average games recently. He’s way too easily overran in midfield

Good on the ball obviously but hasn’t been convincing in controlling the game recently.

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Yeah I think the style shift has also affected him albeit less excuse than the forwards.

Start of the season (after about 3 games) we absolutely suffocated teams and played much faster, he looked great in that setup and helped give us absolute control. We looked like we couldn’t be touched in quite a few of those games and no surprise we didn’t concede goals or even many shots on target.

Lately the midfield does not look anywhere near as good. Out of the three rice is definitely the most consistent and in best form.

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IMO, he just needs a rest. Looks a bit leggy.

Nahh, he can play full 60 games this season, on top full level, I don’t see an issue here.

I’m being sarcastic.

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The problem is that he cries whenever he doesn’t get to play. Arteta should be given jail time if he starts against Portsmouth though.

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Saw fans comparing him to Rodri, even claiming he’s the best #6 right now.

He’s miles from both for me.

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Has looked off it the last few games. Good opportunity to rest him in the Portsmouth and Kairat games.

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@Starboy He’s better than Vitinha buddy. :saliba:

(Peak Partey and peak Rodri would be clear of both though)