The Spain international had insisted he won't leave San Sebastian this summer, but the Anfield outfit have made him a priority target
Finding a world-class defensive midfielder has become the holy grail for many elite clubs, with coaches and technical directors alike realising that a quality No.6 can be the difference between glory and failure in the modern game. From Claude Makelele to Sergio Busquets to Rodri, the role has evolved over time, but there is no doubt regarding its importance in winning teams.
This summer, Liverpool are back in the market for a defensive midfielder. The Reds' midfield overhaul went pretty well last season, with Wataru Endo and Alexis Mac Allister sharing duties at the base of Jurgen Klopp's central trio. However, 31-year-old Endo was only meant to be stop-gap signing, while Mac Allister is more effective playing as a box-to-box No.8. Thus, new coach Arne Slot is keen to add a younger, more natural holding player to his squad.
Enter Real Sociedad’s Martin Zubimendi. The 25-year-old appeared on the radars Arsenal and Barcelona at the start of the transfer window, while Manchester United are also said to be monitoring Zubimendi;s situation while Liverpool weigh up an opening offer.
Certainly, the eye test and the statistical data suggest that Zubimendi has the potential to go to the next level and become one of the world's best in the coming years. But what makes him so coveted? GOAL has the lowdown…
GettyWhere it all began
San Sebastian has become a hotbed for footballing talent, with some of the game's best midfielders of recent generations emerging from the Basque city. Like Xabi Alonso and Mikel Arteta before him, Zubimendi was born there, and like Alonso, he joined La Real's academy in his younger years, becoming a mainstay for the youth sides from the age of 12.
Zubimendi worked his way up from there, as he debuted with Real Sociedad C in 2016, before joining the B team in 2020, where none other than Alonso oversaw his development as a player.
“I wasn’t even with him a full season because of the pandemic, but those were lovely months,” Zubimendi told in 2022. “It was when he came that I started playing more; with Xabi, I got a run of games. I could feel the affection he had for me, which maybe comes from having the same position. He made a point of trying to show me things, teaching me."
AdvertisementGetty ImagesThe big break
Zubimendi had the backing of Alonso – as well as the hype from his youth-team days – to make a push for the first team at an early age. He made his La Real debut as a 20-year-old in April 2019, coming on as a late substitute against Getafe. Zubimendi then stuck around the senior ranks for the following campaign, before fully breaking into the first team for good during the 2020-21 season, making 31 appearances for a side that pushed for Champions League qualification.
Zubimendi's form caught the eye of Spain boss Luis Enrique, too. The midfielder had previously been in the picture for the youth national teams, but in 2021, after a number of positive Covid tests swept through La Roja's senior squad, Zubimendi was called into action to make his international debut.
Getty ImagesHow it's going
Since then, Zubimendi has become a regular for club and country. He started all-but one league game in 2022-23, and only missed two in the most recent campaign. His role in the national team has only expanded, too, as he now has 10 Spain caps to his name, the last of which came when he was entrusted to step into the the injured Rodri's shoes and play the second half of the triumphant Euro 2024 final.
More broadly, Zubimendi has developed a reputation as one of the best defensive midfielders in world football. His education from club legend Alonso, backed up by his central role in an exciting team, have made a primary target for a number of Champions League-level clubs.
(C)Getty ImagesBiggest strengths
As Zubimendi has previously been linked with Barcelona, many have compared him to Blaugrana legend Busquets, the player whose role he would potentially take on were he to end up in Catalunya. Comparisons can be dangerous, however, especially since the now-Inter Miami midfielder defined the way the modern No.6 plays. In effect, every 'pivot' since his rise to prominence has been some sort of copy.
Zubimendi, to his credit, would seem to fit that classic mould. His distribution from deep areas is near-unmatched in Spanish football, as the midfielder can often be found dropping between centre-backs before picking a forward pass either into La Real's more advanced midfielders or wingers. But he can also play sideways when needs be, speeding up or slowing down the game from deep.
He's reliable without the ball, too. Although La Real are a relatively compact side who prefer to control the game rather than open it up, Zubimendi is excellent at controlling space and putting out fires. While not full of pace, his tackling ability and reading of the game make him a valuable shielding presence who can ensure things remain steady in front of the backline.