Paul Joyce delivered bombshell news by confirming that Liverpool wants Real Sociedad star Martin Zubimendi to secure their midfield
The Times journalist Paul Joyce revealed that Liverpool are after Real Sociedad star Martin Zubimendi to bolster their defensive midfield position. Zubimendi has gained an immense reputation for his elegant style of play, helping Sociedad achieve the Europa League qualification last season.
Liverpool experienced an intense transfer battle last summer when they lost defensive midfielders Moises Caicedo and Romeo Lavia to Chelsea. The Reds put faith in their scout and signed Wataru Endo from Stuttgart as a short-term fix for the team.
While Endo still remains a crucial squad player, the Reds required a regular first-team player before the next season begins. Stefan Bajcetic is another defensive midfield option but he needs supervision and limited game time after missing the last season.
Bajcetic’s fitness issues and Thiago Alcantara’s departure from the club played a big role in Liverpool reassessing their options. Meanwhile, Tyler Morton remains at the club but his future is uncertain with clarity that he is not a regular.
Zubimendi has a €60m release clause in his contract at Liverpool. Liverpool favourite and Bayer Leverkusen boss Xabi Alonso who managed Zubimendi during his time with Real Sociedad B had this to say about the player
“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. He understands what the next step is before the ball gets to him. He has that ability to organize the axis. I loved working with him.”
Player analysis: Martin Zubimendi
Zubimendi stands at 1.81 meters and consistently does the dirty work with his technically gifted and combative attitude as a defensive midfielder. The 25-year-old has earned praise and fan comparison with several Spanish legends like Xabi Alonso and Sergio Busquets due to his technical prowess.
The Spain international has the physical strength and bravery to participate constantly in aerial and ground duels for his team. Zubimendi achieved 1.55 aerial duels, 53.8% duel victory against dribblers, losing .64 challenges per 90 minutes throughout the last season.
The 25-year-old consistently involved himself with tackles, interceptions and recoveries to shield the spaces between the midfield and defence. In possession, Zubimendi thrives by dictating the tempo and moving elegantly in tight spaces to build play.
The Spaniard makes regular progressive carries from the deep, capable of reading the opponents and using half-turns swiftly. He makes accurate decisions to create space or deliver passes to the teammates who can progress the play the best.
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Zubimendi works hard on and off the ball, with displays in Euro 2024 proving that he thrives in big competitions. Entering the peak year of his career, the 25-year-old perfectly fits Arne Slot’s style of play. The Spaniard is the marquee signing who will excite the Liverpool fans who waited patiently for Liverpool’s first big move this summer.
