Scout Report: Martin Zubimendi
Martin Zubimendi
Martin Zubimendi is a player that has been on the lips of several top clubs over the past summer and lining up to the January transfer window.
After showing out at EURO 2024, Liverpool tried their luck to fill the defensive midfield hole they felt they had, Zubimendi rebuffed them, instead declaring his loyalty to Real Sociedad.
This time round, it seems it may be Manchester City’s turn to try and lure the Spaniard away, as they look to recover from the loss of Rodri, with an ACL injury.
So, what is it that makes the midfielder so attractive, and could he really fill the whole left by his national team counterpart?
Career History
Born in San Sebastian, Zubimendi joined Real Sociedad’s youth setup aged 12, in 2011. Before this he had played for amateur side Antiguoko, but the pull of professional football was always going to sway the player.
Zubimendi made his debut for the sides C team aged 17 in 2016. He renewed his contract in 2018 and continued to rise through the ranks, impressing at every level.
In 2019, he finally got his long-awaited debut for the first team in a 2-1 home win over Getafe.
Since 2020, he has played at least 40 games a season for Sociedad, becoming a staple in their side. Before the season of 2024-25, he had totalled 187 appearances and seven goals for the club.
As Zubimendi became a regular at club level, he was also rising through the international ranks.
The not 25-year-old made his debut in 2021, but did not find himself being regularly selected until this season, where he played a huge part in helping Spain to win EURO 2024.
Style of play
Zubimendi has drawn comparisons to the likes of Sergio Busquets. He is a composed character, plays with control, guiding play and adjusting the games tempo. The midfielder loves to receive passes deep and create space, dropping the shoulder or pulling players to him, in order to release others. His technical abilities have allowed him to have a range of passes, from short drop offs to cross field long ball to open up play.
The player is also not afraid to make serious tackles or look for the interception, with him averaging 2.5 tackles and 1.1 interceptions per game this season in La Liga.
Zubimendi, showcased his skills on the biggest stage this summer, being key in helping Spain see out games on their way to glory. The statistics show, alongside his consistency and style of play, that he is showing the same level of quality at club level.
Whilst his play may be a little faster than that of Rodri’s, it is easy to understand how he could fit that role and just why the likes of Liverpool and Arsenal have wanted him to fill the defensive midfield role.
Despite the outside attention, Zubimendi has continued to commit his future to Sociedad, so whether the money and success of Manchester City can lure him away from Spain, or someone else can, is yet to be seen. Regardless of where Zubimendi chooses to go, or stay, his stock continues to rise.
