Martin Zubimendi: The Perfect Fit for Liverpool’s Midfield?

Liverpool fans have every reason to be excited about the Reds targeting Martin Zubimendi as their new No. 6. With David Ornstein from The Athletic reporting that Liverpool are pursuing a specialist holding midfielder from outside the Premier League, and Paul Joyce from The Times confirming that Zubimendi is being considered, the buzz around Anfield is palpable.

Who is Martin Zubimendi?

Martin Zubimendi, a 25-year-old midfielder, has been with Real Sociedad since he was 12 years old. His impressive performance during the 2023/24 season, where he played 45 times, has made him one of the most sought-after holding midfielders in Europe. Zubimendi’s £51 million buyout clause is a significant investment, but one that Liverpool appears ready to make for the right player.

During his time in Real Sociedad’s youth setup, Zubimendi worked with Xabi Alonso in the B team. Alonso, now the Bayer Leverkusen boss, spoke to The Guardian in 2022 about his admiration for Zubimendi, highlighting his generous playing style and his ability to improve those around him.

Xabi Alonso’s Endorsement

Xabi Alonso’s comments provide invaluable insight into Zubimendi’s potential fit at Liverpool. Alonso said, “Martin’s a player all coaches would want. He’s generous, he always thinks more about his teammates than himself. He has that ability to generate play, to make those around him better, always offering solutions; to improve the move.”

Alonso’s experience and understanding of the game make his endorsement particularly meaningful. His emphasis on Zubimendi’s organisational skills and his ability to understand the next step before receiving the ball is precisely what Liverpool needs. Alonso added, “He understands what the next step is before the ball gets to him. He has that ability to organise the axis. I loved working with him.”

Zubimendi’s Perspective

Zubimendi also spoke highly of his time with Alonso. “I wasn’t even with him a full season because of the pandemic but those were lovely months. It was when he came that I started playing more; with Xabi, I got a run of games. I could feel the affection he had for me, which maybe comes from having the same position. He made a point of trying to show me things, teaching me.”

The midfielder’s ability to learn and adapt under Alonso’s guidance shows his potential to thrive under a similar coaching style at Liverpool. His comments about learning to recognise and differentiate types of presses and building play from the back are particularly relevant to Liverpool’s current tactical needs.

Tactical Fit at Liverpool

If Zubimendi were to sign for Liverpool, he would likely play under Arne Slot as Liverpool’s deepest-lying midfielder. This role has been occupied by Wataru Endo, Dominik Szoboszlai, and Ryan Gravenberch in pre-season, but Zubimendi’s skill set could offer a more refined option.

Zubimendi’s understanding of pressing and his ability to organise play make him an ideal candidate for the position. His natural inclination to think ahead and improve the team’s overall play would fit seamlessly into Liverpool’s dynamic and high-pressing style.

The prospect of Martin Zubimendi joining Liverpool is tantalising. His development under Xabi Alonso and his proven ability to organise and enhance team play make him a prime candidate for the Reds’ No. 6 role. As Liverpool continues to pursue top talent, Zubimendi stands out as a player who could significantly impact the team’s midfield dynamics.

Our View – Anfield Index Analysis

As Liverpool fans, the thought of signing Martin Zubimendi is incredibly exciting. His development under a legend like Xabi Alonso is testament to his quality and potential. Zubimendi’s ability to read the game, organise play, and support his teammates aligns perfectly with Liverpool’s ethos.

Seeing Zubimendi don the red shirt would be a dream come true. His style of play promises to bring stability and creativity to the midfield, something that has been a hallmark of Liverpool’s success under Jürgen Klopp. The prospect of him working alongside talents like Szoboszlai and Gravenberch is mouth-watering.

The buzz around Anfield is justified. Zubimendi’s potential signing signifies not just an investment in talent but in the future of Liverpool’s midfield. It’s a move that could elevate the team to new heights, ensuring that the Reds remain competitive at the highest levels of football.

With the transfer market ever-evolving, securing a player of Zubimendi’s calibre would be a statement of intent. Liverpool fans have every reason to be optimistic about what the future holds with such a promising addition to the squad.