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Mikel Arteta admits he didn’t expect Martin Zubimendi to adapt this quickly at Arsenal

Originally posted on HITC | By Josh Barker | Last updated Oct 28, 2025 5:04 PM ET

Mikel Arteta has said he’s been taken aback by how well one Arsenal player has started the season, though praise from Kieran Tierney and Xavi suggests the talent was always there.

We’re only a few months into the new campaign, but Arsenal already have the edge in the Premier League title race.

Alongside a strong set-piece game, their summer spending spree has played a big role in their fast start.

And now Arteta has admitted that one of their new signings has exceeded his early expectations.

Arteta admits he didn’t expect Martin Zubimendi to be this good

Mikel Arteta was recently asked by Marca about the similarities being drawn between Martin Zubimendi and Rodri.

He admitted that he’s been taken aback by how quickly the Spaniard has adapted to life at Arsenal.

“I think ‘Zubi’ has to make his own way, and he’s doing so. Since he’s arrived, his impact on the team has been exceptional, and that’s very difficult,” Arteta said.

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“I’ve seen many midfielders reach the Premier League, coming from top positions in other leagues, and they’ve struggled; it’s taken them a year or two to become who they are. The speed and naturalness with which he’s adapting is surprising.”

Zubimendi might not have great height, but he doesn’t struggle in the air. In fact, his aerial duel numbers are up there with some of the best defenders in the league, including Virgil van Dijk.

This view is shared by more than just his current teammates. Even before joining Arsenal, Zubimendi had a reputation for being an excellent player.

Kieran Tierney and Xavi praise Martin Zubimendi

Ex-Arsenal defender Kieran Tierney, who had a short stint alongside Zubimendi at Sociedad, ranked him and Mikel Merino as ‘world class’.

He said: “You have world-class players like Martin Zubimendi, Mikel Merino, Brais Mendez. It’s not that people don’t think they’re good, it’s just that if you’re only watching the Premier League every week, it’s hard to know. They’re world-class.”

Xavi also spoke highly of the midfielder during his time in Spain, pointing to how well he fit into Barcelona’s system even before making the move to England.

He said: “I like all of Real Sociedad. They mirror a bit our style of play. Zubimendi is an extraordinary defensive midfielder, he understands the model we like at Barca, he dominates with and without the ball.”

This article first appeared on HITC and was syndicated with permission.

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