Arsenal star hailed ‘second best in the world’ behind Ballon d’Or winner | OneFootball

Spaniard played huge part in Gunners’ Premier League title win

The Spain manager, who has just led his country to a second World Cup triumph, had both Zubimendi and Rodri available to him in North America this summer.

While the Arsenal star struggled for game time in La Roja’s route to the final, he remained part of the squad that eventually beat Argentina 1-0 in extra time in East Rutherford, New Jersey.

It is the second major title Spain have won under De La Fuente, who also led them to Euro 2024 glory, as they beat Sir Gareth Southgate’s England in the final in Berlin thanks to a late winner from Mikel Oyarzabal.

In Canada, Mexico and the United States, he had the best midfield at his disposal, with Rodri sitting as the anchor, and Fabian Ruiz and Dani Olmo were the more creative of the trio.

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Barcelona’s young duo Pedri and Gavi rivalled for the two No8 positions, while Zubimendi backed up Rodri in defensive midfield.

Rodri, who has been heavily courted by Real Madrid in this transfer window, won the World Cup Golden Ball to follow his 2024 Ballon d’Or, but there were some fans that thought the midfielder’s honour was undeserved.

“With all due respect, and I don’t mean to offend anyone, I said that doubting Rodri was an insult to football intelligence, obviously,” De La Fuente responded, speaking to TVE.

“He’s the best player in the world in his position, knowing that we have Martin Zubimendi behind him, who is also another great player, surely the second best in the world.

Zubimendi played a key role in Arsenal’s Premier League title win last term, in his debut campaign in English football.

The Spaniard played all 38 games in the league, scoring five goals in the process as the Gunners won a first title since 2003.