Martin Zubimendi might be about to have his best game for Arsenal in the North London Derby
Martin Zubimendi is about to experience his first competitive North London Derby since signing for Arsenal.
Zubimendi will return to Arsenal well rested after being left out of Spain’s final match of the November international break.
Mikel Arteta will be grateful to Luis de la Fuente for resting the midfielder, as Arsenal return to action with a must-win clash against Tottenham.
The North London Derby is a spectacle that can make any player a hero, and that’s just what Zubimendi could become as he prepares for his first taste of the rivalry in the Premier League.
Photo by Robbie Jay Barratt – AMA/Getty Images
Martin Zubimendi could thrive in the North London Derby
Spurs will be wary of Zubimendi, who is thought to be one of Europe’s best players right now.
The Spaniard quietly makes things happen in the middle of the park, but against Spurs, Arsenal fans could see a different side to the £51m signing.
That’s because, when it comes to a derby fixture, Zubimendi knows what’s at stake.
Speaking to DAZN in January 2023, as transcribed by El Desmarque, Zubimendi previewed the Basque Derby between Real Sociedad and Athletic Club.
“Derbies are different, matches that in theory are worth three points, but for us it’s something more because of the feeling we have.”
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From that comment alone, it’s so clear that Zubimendi recognises the difference between a ‘normal’ game and a derby.
In particular, the subject of a ‘first derby’ is something the midfielder has also mentioned with regard to a former teammate.
“I understand that there are derbies everywhere and there can be similar feelings all over the world, but when a footballer plays his first derby and sees everything that is generated around the field, he will see what a derby is for us.”
It’s up to the senior figures in the Arsenal squad to set the tone in the dressing room before the match, but for Zubimendi, there’s no concern that he won’t be able to step up to the task.
Zubimendi loves to get stuck into a derby match
Being a San Sebastian native, Zubimendi lived and breathed the Basque Derby, fighting to make a mark for his boyhood club.
If fellow-Basque native Arteta had been following last season’s derbies, he’d know that Arsenal won’t need to worry about Zubimendi’s commitment to the cause on Sunday.
Photo by Juan Manuel Serrano Arce/Getty Images
Last season, Zubimendi was an eager duel-winner against Athletic Club when the two sides met in La Liga, winning 58% of his duels over the two fixtures.
Arsenal have a player in their ranks who has not only been a difference-maker this season, but is also experienced enough in fierce derbies to keep his cool when it matters most.
