Martin Zubimendi showed Mikel Arteta exactly why Mikel Arteta should reconsider his midfield set up

Martin Zubimendi has been outspoken on his Arsenal future and dismissed suggestions of an exit. However, it remains true that his chances of playing regularly for the Gunners are limited.

The arrival of Bruno Guimaraes alongside the growth of Myles Lewis-Skelly as a midfielder and the ever-present Declan Rice has slashed Zubimendi’s game time significantly. However, the international break has offered both him and Gunners boss Mikel Arteta an opportunity.

Spain boss Luis de la Fuente called up Zubimendi despite his lack of game time and also selected him to start in Spain’s win over Czechia. The 27-year-old completed the full ninety-plus minutes.

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The World champions ran out 2-0 victors in Prague, with one player Arsenal are reportedly interested in, Alex Baena scoring from the spot and Marc Pubil scoring the second from the bench. Zubimendi started alongside paris Saint-Germain’s Fabian Ruiz in the middle with Fermin Lopez ahead of him.

As the deepest midfielder in the trio, Zubimendi offered what he would do for the Gunners, playing as the progressor. He managed 91 touches in the game, and finished with 92% pass accuracy from 78 attempted passes.

He was key to Spain’s progression, finding eight passes into the final third from his deeper role and was not dispossessed a single time. He also added four defensive contributions to his performance and won two of his three ground duels.

It was a good performance that earned his a 7.2 score on FotMob. Spain will play England at the weekend, where Zubimendi could face his Arsenal teammates Rice and Lewis-Skelly.

He could yet start again, with Barcelona and former Manchester City midfielder Rodri currently missing due to a hamstring injury. Mikel Arteta spoke about the value of gaining minutes when asked about William Saliba just before the break.

The Frenchman had only just returned from injury and was being considered for selection by his national team. Ultimately, Les Bleus decided against it; however, Arteta’s words held relevance all the same.

“I think it's something between them more, because William needs minutes as well; I know how much he loves to be around the national team,” Arteta said.

Zubimendi certainly needs minutes too and now has a body of work to return to North London and stake his claim to play.