Spain national team manager Luis de la Fuente ranks Arsenal midfielder Martin Zubimendi as the second-best in the world, trailing only Manchester City’s Rodri.
Rodri’s Dominance and Achievements
Rodri stands as the top midfielder globally, with a decade of influence at Manchester City. He has secured four Premier League titles, four domestic cups, and the Champions League. The 29-year-old claimed the 2024 Ballon d’Or, marking the first for a Manchester City player and only the second for a Spanish male winner.
Zubimendi’s Impact at Arsenal
Zubimendi delivers a standout debut season at Arsenal after his £60m transfer from Real Sociedad. His contributions propel the Gunners to a nine-point lead atop the Premier League table while competing in two other tournaments.
Playing Together for Spain
De la Fuente views Zubimendi as nearly matching Rodri’s level. Both vie for spots in Spain’s lineup ahead of the World Cup, yet the manager confirms they can coexist. “After all the setbacks he went through, Rodri is back at a high level,” De la Fuente stated ahead of Spain’s friendly against Serbia. “I’ve said before that he is the best in the world, but also on those same occasions that we are very fortunate. In that position, the number 6 role, we have the two best players in the world: Rodri and Martin.”
He added, “Can they play together? Of course they can play together. We can play that way with a double pivot perfectly well. In my idea of football, they may occupy a similar role, but they are different players with different characteristics.”
De la Fuente highlights Zubimendi’s growing box arrivals and goal-scoring, alongside positional balance and tactical awareness—qualities Rodri also possesses. “Having them there gives us security and structure,” he noted, while acknowledging other options like Pedri, Fermin Lopez, and Fabian Ruiz.
Recent Carabao Cup Final Clash
Rodri and Zubimendi faced off in opposite dugouts during Manchester City’s 2-0 Carabao Cup final victory over Arsenal at Wembley, powered by Nico O’Reilly’s brace. Rodri shone, while Zubimendi featured among Arsenal’s underperformers.
Post-match, Rodri emphasized the win’s significance: “We knew today was a very important match, not only because of what the title means but also because of what it means to beat the team in best form. It’s a game not only for this title but to show that we can beat them.”
Manchester City vows to “fight until the end” in the title race despite Arsenal’s lead. Arsenal hosts Bournemouth on April 11, while Manchester City travels to Chelsea the next day.
