Martín Zubimendi has played just 100 minutes across 10 Premier League matches this season for Arsenal.
Luis de la Fuente described Zubimendi as the best midfielder in the world after Rodri.
“Many of you tell me there are players who play better for the national team than for their club. And Martín is that type. He understands his role perfectly,” De la Fuente said.
“It is not easy to come to the national team with such high demands, without having played so many minutes and without having that feeling on the pitch. It is not the ideal situation, but I trust myself,” Martín Zubimendi said.
Zubimendi featured prominently during Arsenal’s previous campaign under Mikel Arteta before reaching the final stretch of the season fatigued. The club subsequently added players such as Bruno Guimarães alongside Declan Rice and Martin Ødegaard.
“Arteta warned me that there were new signings and that there would be minutes for everyone. And there we are, fighting,” Zubimendi told MARCA.
Zubimendi recorded a five-for-five record in long passes, 95 percent passing accuracy in his own half, 91 touches, and four defensive contributions during the fixture in Prague. He dismissed speculation regarding a January departure from the Premier League club.
“When you come from playing many minutes and your role changes to not playing as much, it is difficult, but I am able to see the positive side. I think everything passes and this can change very quickly,” Zubimendi said.
“I haven’t been in contact with anyone, I’m happy in London,” Zubimendi told MARCA.
Spain meets England on Sunday, where Zubimendi is expected to retain his starting role and face club teammate Declan Rice, following previous international tournament experience that included making his debut in a World Cup final as though he had played the entire tournament, and playing the full 90 minutes against Albania at the European Championship alongside substitute appearances against Croatia and France before replacing the injured Rodri at halftime in the final against England.
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