Arsenal star sparks debate after Spain performance | OneFootball

Martín Zubimendi’s latest Spain performance has intensified the debate in the country over whether Rodri automatically returns to the starting midfield once fit.

Photo by Levan Verdzeuli/Getty Images

Martín Zubimendi is shaping Spain’s midfield so convincingly that the country’s press has begun to ask a question that once sounded unthinkable. With Rodri absent again through injury, and Spain playing with a fluency that has carried them on a lengthy unbeaten (in normal time) run, Marca put the debate plainly: “Zubimendi has made the position his over the last year, so let’s see who takes it off him. Everyone assumed Rodri would get his place back as soon as he returned, but judging by the level of the Arsenal player, that remains to be seen.”

Spain’s 4-0 win over Georgia all-but sealed their qualification. Missing Dani Carvajal, Dean Huijsen, Robin Le Normand, Pedri, Rodri, Nico Williams and Lamine Yamal, Spain still “continued to play brilliantly” and looked so secure that the paper joked a supporter could pull on the shirt without anyone noticing. The squad, De la Fuente’s streak and the ease with which new pieces fit together have created a sense of excitement. “There is no selection more fun than that of Luis De la Fuente,” was Marca’s verdict.

He has lost just two of his 36 games in charge, one of those on penalties and the other in 2023.

Inside the surplus of quality at his disposal, the midfield is the most loaded debate. With Pedri considered untouchable according to Marca, and Fabian Ruiz, Mikel Merino, Alex Baena, Pablo Barrios, Fermín Lopez, Dani Olmo and the recovering Isco and Gavi all in contention, Zubimendi has moved ahead of all of them.

Against Georgia he not only scored but dictated Spain’s rhythm, but he was still not happy after the game. “I am happy to contribute to the team by scoring,” he said. “But I have to say that even with the 4-0 final score, our pressing was not good. We need to improve certain things because in the end they pressed us well and took the ball off us at times.”

Photo by Levan Verdzeuli/Getty Images

About his goal, he said, “I had pulled away, and Fabián played a good pass to me. Even though the control got away from me a little, I was able to clip the finish.”

His post match interview for TVE struck the same tone as other interviews. “Although we won 4-0, there are things we can do better,” he reiterated.

That level of expectation is one of the reasons the Spanish press now wonders aloud how Rodri simply walks back into this team.

What gives the Zubimendi debate extra charge is his move to Arsenal. Marca made no attempt to hide its frustration. “How it hurts to see Zubimendi at Arsenal,” it declared, arguing that Barcelona were preoccupied with Pedri and De Jong and that Real Madrid failed to react when Kroos retired.

“It is inexplicable that Madrid did not show up at Zubieta’s door on the same day Kroos announced his retirement. Arteta, from London, was much faster.”

Spain’s win maintains an superb qualifying run of 19 goals scored and none conceded. Mikel Oyarzabal scored twice, with Ferran Torres adding another, and the group is so firmly under control that only a seven goal defeat to Turkey in Seville could deny them direct qualification in top spot.

Spain beat Turkey 6-0 when they met in Istanbul in September with Merino scoring a hattrick.

Against Georgia, David Raya watched on from the bench while Merino started the game before being subbed not long after the hour mark.