Pressing Issues

Why Arsenal Need Another Defensive Midfielder

At first glance, the idea of Arsenal signing another £50 million midfielder seems completely unnecessary (especially when considering their current glaring need for a new striker).

Yet holding midfielders Thomas Partey and Jorginho are both out of contract and likely to leave in the summer, which would leave Declan Rice as the only player capable of playing defensive midfield for the Gunners, and given Mikel Arteta’s preference to play Rice higher up the pitch, a new defensive midfielder does arguably become a neccessity.

There is also the matter of age profiles. Even if Partey (31) or Jorginho (33) were to sign new contracts, these would not be long-term solutions for Arsenal. With Zubimendi aged 25, his acquisition could lead to him becoming the heart of Arsenal’s midfield for half a decade.

The Gunners’ interest in another defensive midfielder is also quite telling regarding Arteta’s long-term plan. Should Zubimendi join Arsenal, he would presumably start in the defensive midfield role. Rice of course would play the number 8 spot, and with captain Martin Odegaard undroppable, it will likely mean that Mikel Merino’s minutes become increasingly limited, with the former Real Sociedad midfielder becoming a rotation option.

Press Proof Proven

It’s no secret that Arteta is obsessed with dominance. It is his vision that his team dominates every inch of a football pitch and a big part of that is being able to retain possession under pressure – refusing opponents any form of control, hope or opportunity.

The term ‘press proof’ has emerged in recent years as means to describe a player who appears able to retain possession consistently when under pressure. Manchester City’s Rodri has for a few years, been the gold standard of press proof players.

Yet Zubimendi, who came on for Rodri during the Euro 2024 final, has shown his own ability to be press proof. He is exceptional at receiving the ball under pressure, finding a progressive pass, and then showing for the ball again.

As shown in this sequence, Zubimendi is able to receive the ball while being closed down, find a teammate in space, and then go and receive the ball again. His reliability aids Sociedad’s build up as it allows other midfielders to play higher up the pitch ready to receive the ball in dangerous areas. This would favour Arsenal being able to play with 5 players in their attacking line in possession – a trend popularised by Pep Guardiola’s Manchester City.

One of the characteristics that will also stand out to Arsenal is Zubimendi’s preference for a forward pass. His first instinct is always to try and progress the ball, and he averages 6.08 progressive passes per 90 minutes.

This is particularly clear when he receives the ball with his back to goal. As shown above, despite facing away from goal with 3 Atletico Madrid players closing him down, the midfielder is able to find a forward pass. This makes the fact that he is dispossessed just 0.48 times per 90 all the more impressive (this figure ranks him in the top 15% of all European midfielders).

This confidence to receive the ball and turn is the result of great game awareness. This awareness also helps Zubimendi find spaces between the lines to offer an option for Sociedad’s centre backs to play progressive passes (as shown vs Sevilla below, which leads to a goal).

Sniffing Out Danger and Defensive Confidence

Zubimendi is among the best midfielders in Europe at preventing counterattacks. He ranks in the top 20% of midfielders for tackles made in his attacking third – which considering his primary role for Sociedad is to sit behind the other midfielders, is particularly impressive.

In addition to this, despite only being 5’9″, Zubimendi wins 66% of his aerial duels – which is within the top 5% of all European midfielders. This is yet another advertisement to Arsenal and Arteta – despite not being a tall, physical presence, the 25-year-old is able to be dominant in the air.

	Clearances	Shots Blocked	Interceptions	Challenges Lost
Per 90 Mins	2.23	0.48	1.37	0.6
% in relation to midfielders	Top 10%	Top 14%	Top 21%	Top 12%

Zubimendi’s defensive numbers are good, rather than great. He doesn’t do a great deal wrong, but isn’t the best defender in the world.

However, his aforementioned press proof nature, reliability in the defensive third (he averages 3.78 touches in his own penalty box per 90, which is in Europe’s top 10%), and his very impressive work rate could all indicate to Arsenal that he is their man.

Influential Runs

Arsenal’s biggest build up problem this season has been their lack of central chance creation. They are heavily reliant on crosses from wide positions to create opportunities, and struggle offering a threat through the middle of the pitch.

Zubimendi could go some way to changing that. While it would be insane to suggest that a defensive midfielder is going to make Arsenal prolific through the middle of the pitch, his ball carrying ability will undoubtedly help them out. He has a 70% take on success rate (top 6% in Europe), and is incredibly confident receiving the ball and beating a man.

As shown above, Zubimendi receives a pass and immediately drives into space, and somehow manages to flick a through ball over to Sheraldo Becker who is running in behind. This kind of ‘creating something from nothing’ could be decisive for Arsenal next season – and the fact he rarely loses the ball when doing this will be a key factor in Arteta’s pursuit of dominance.

Zubimendi is not a goalscorer (although his one goal this season came from a corner which will no doubt please Arsenal set piece coach Nicolas Jover), but he is content making runs into the box. In the below images, he receives the ball and runs directly towards the box, winning a penalty.

Overall, Zubimendi offers a diverse skillset, appears to be highly adaptable, very aware and would offer Arsenal a great deal if he is to move to North London this summer.