Victor Gyökeres, fresh from scoring his first goal for Arsenal with a stunning header, made it clear that his success on the day was thanks to one particular teammate—not Ødegaard, not Declan Rice, but Martin Zubimendi. He admitted he didn’t even know how to thank him enough for the role he played, especially in shielding him from early fan pressure and unwanted banter.
The Swedish striker, who arrived at Arsenal carrying a reputation as a lethal finisher from his Coventry City days, couldn’t hold back his admiration for Zubimendi’s technical brilliance, vision, and intelligence. He said that from their very first training session together, he knew there was something special about the Spaniard’s game.
Zubimendi, signed with high expectations, has already justified the hype since making his debut. His control over the tempo, his ability to break up opposition play, and his precision in launching attacks have made him an indispensable piece in Mikel Arteta’s plans. Gyökeres also praised his adaptability, noting that he could fit seamlessly into different tactical systems.
One quality that Gyökeres values most in Zubimendi is his composure under pressure. Whether it’s a tense moment late in the game or a high-stakes attack, Zubimendi remains calm and makes the right decision. This steadiness, Gyökeres said, inspires not just himself but the entire attacking line, allowing them to perform with confidence when it matters most.
The chemistry between the striker and the midfielder is building rapidly. Gyökeres explained how their communication on the pitch feels almost instinctive—Zubimendi knows when he’ll make a run, and he knows Zubimendi will find him. That mutual understanding has already become a key weapon in Arsenal’s attacking arsenal.
Beyond his footballing skills, Zubimendi’s leadership has impressed Gyökeres just as much. Despite being relatively young, he carries himself with a maturity that influences the squad. He often guides younger players and ensures the team stays united, leading more through example than words.
As Arsenal push through the challenges of the Premier League and European competitions, Gyökeres believes that Zubimendi’s presence in midfield will be pivotal to their ambitions. The growing bond between the two is giving fans something to be excited about as they watch it flourish on the field.
In the end, Gyökeres’ high praise for Zubimendi as the best midfielder he’s ever played with speaks volumes. Their partnership looks set to be a cornerstone of Arsenal’s quest for trophies in the seasons ahead, with Zubimendi controlling the middle and Gyökeres spearheading the attack in what could be a golden era for the Gunners.
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