Arsenal and Spain midfielder Martin Zubimendi explains difference between Premier League and La Liga | OneFootball

Former Real Sociedad man and star Arsenal recruit Martin Zubimendi rubbed shoulders with the very best midfielders in La Liga, and now is doing so in the Premier League. After his first few months in England, Zubimendi has given his verdict on the differences between the game in England and Spain.

The 26-year-old stayed at La Real long beyond expectation, turning down a number of major offers from around Europe, including from Bayern Munich, Barcelona and Liverpool, before eventually making the switch to Arsenal, having turned down the Gunners previously. His view is that the biggest difference between the two leagues is in the ‘transition phase’.

Biggest difference between Premier League and La Liga

In his eyes, Zubimendi felt that the Premier League perhaps was a little more fun at times, due to the direct nature of the game.

“The difference is in the mentality after the steal. Here, as soon as you steal it, the mentality is to attack. In Spain, perhaps sometimes it’s more about having the ball and securing it, so that makes everything a little more vertical and sometimes more fun too,” he told EFE, as quoted by Cadena SER.

Image via Spanish Football Federation

That no doubt results in more attacks and a higher number of turnovers, but Zubimendi noted that the likes of Max Dowman, Ethan Nwaneri, Declan Rice and Martin Odegaard mitigate the risk of giveaways for him.

“They do everything well for you, they make a bad pass good for you, they offer themselves all the time. We have a very clear idea from the manager, so I think all of that is a great combination for everything to go well.”

Zubimendi explains decision to leave Real Sociedad

The Gipuzkoan playmaker has professed his love for the Txuri-Urdin on many occasions, and that is backed up by his actions. Yet several months into last season, reports began to appear that Zubimendi was this time considering a departure without being tempted. He gave his reasoning for leaving this time round.

“I wanted to get out of my comfort zone, which is my home, San Sebastian. I also wanted to experience everything that comes with changing countries and cities, and I think I’m adjusting well so far.”

Image via Getty Images

Zubimendi does have some support to ease that phase, with Kepa Arrizabalaga, Cristhian Mosquera, David Raya, Mikel Merino and of course Mikel Arteta having all made that change too.

“I also want to adapt to a new language, to a new country, so it’s true that with them by my side everything becomes easier, but I don’t have to put aside the fact of adapting.”