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Martin Zubimendi, the Xabi Alonso-inspired Number Six

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Xabi Alonso is Martín Zubimendi’s role model. That isn’t terribly surprising given the overlap between the two figures. Alonso and Zubimendi play – or played, in Alonso’s case – similar positions. They both came through Zubieta – Real Sociedad’s famous youth academy. They played for the same youth team. They even share the same agent.

By Graham Ruthven

Wherever Alonso goes this summer, it’s possible Zubimendi will follow him. Bayern Munich and Liverpool have been strongly linked with the Bayer Leverkusen boss who is on the brink of winning this season’s Bundesliga title and both sides could use a new number six in Zubimendi’s mould.

Alonso was Zubimendi’s coach at Real Sociedad B, although that doesn’t describe the full extent of the role he played in the young midfielder’s development. There is a bond between the two who still regularly correspond despite Alonso now being in Germany. Zubimendi is, in many ways, the new Alonso.

“Martín’s a player all coaches would want,” Alonso said about his protege. “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 organise, the axis. I loved working with him.”

Liverpool could certainly use someone like Zubimendi. While the Anfield club did a lot to rebuild its midfield last summer, there is still space for an elite level number six at the base of the unit. This is where the singing of Zubimendi would complete Liverpool’s midfield rebuild as they enter the post-Jürgen Klopp era.

It could be argued Bayern Munich need someone like Zubimendi to an even greater extent. Thomas Tuchel has more than once pointed out the Bavarians’ desperate need for a new midfield anchor after missing out on the signing of João Palhinha from Fulham last summer. Zubimendi would be perfect for the role.

First and foremost, Zubimendi is a pace-setter. He dictates the tempo of matches from deep, keeping possession ticking over, switching play and releasing attacking teammates into high-value areas through his sharp use of the ball. Technically, there aren’t many better in the number six position.

Defensively, Zubimendi offers plenty too. No Real Sociedad player has averaged more interceptions per 90 minutes in La Liga this season than the 25-year-old. Zubimendi, however, isn’t a midfield destroyer in the traditional sense. Instead, he usually uses his positional sense and intelligence to pick up loose balls and stop opposition attacks.

This summer could be a big one for Zubimendi. Not only could he be on the move in the transfer window, the 25-year-old is expected to be an important member of Luis de la Fuente’s Spain squad for Euro 2024. Rodri might be ahead of Zubimendi in the pecking order, but there could be room for both in the Spanish midfield unit. 

A strong showing in Germany this summer could push Zubimendi’s stock even higher, if he hasn’t already been captured by another club by the time Euro 2024 kicks off. Arsenal have been linked with the Spanish international while Manchester United could also be in the market for a new number six.

Xavi Hernández wanted Zubimendi to replace Sergio Busquets last summer. He made the signing of the Real Sociedad midfielder a priority only for Barcelona’s board to deliver him Oriol Romeu instead. Romeu, crucially, cost just €4m whereas Zubimendi has a release clause of €60m in his contract with La Real.  

Barca’s interest in Zubimendi is long-standing and at another time it’s possible he would have ended up in Catalonia as the natural heir to Busquets. Right now, though, with Barcelona strapped for cash and redeveloping Camp Nou, Zubimendi is expected to move elsewhere. He won’t be short of options. 

Having spent the entirety of his senior career at Real Sociedad, Zubimendi is ready for the next step in his career. That step could take him to Bayern Munich, Liverpool or somewhere else, but if given the opportunity he would surely choose to follow Alonso, wherever he goes. That has, after all, worked well for him so far. 

(Cover image from IMAGO)

You can follow every Real Sociedad game live with FotMob — featuring deep stats coverage including xG, shot maps, and player ratings. Download the free app here.

Martin Zubimendi, the Xabi Alonso-inspired Number Six

Xabi Alonso is Martín Zubimendi’s role model. That isn’t terribly surprising given the overlap between the two figures. Alonso and Zubimendi play – or played, in Alonso’s case – similar positions. They both came through Zubieta – Real Sociedad’s famous youth academy. They played for the same youth team. They even share the same agent.

By Graham Ruthven

Wherever Alonso goes this summer, it’s possible Zubimendi will follow him. Bayern Munich and Liverpool have been strongly linked with the Bayer Leverkusen boss who is on the brink of winning this season’s Bundesliga title and both sides could use a new number six in Zubimendi’s mould.

Alonso was Zubimendi’s coach at Real Sociedad B, although that doesn’t describe the full extent of the role he played in the young midfielder’s development. There is a bond between the two who still regularly correspond despite Alonso now being in Germany. Zubimendi is, in many ways, the new Alonso.

“Martín’s a player all coaches would want,” Alonso said about his protege. “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 organise, the axis. I loved working with him.”

Liverpool could certainly use someone like Zubimendi. While the Anfield club did a lot to rebuild its midfield last summer, there is still space for an elite level number six at the base of the unit. This is where the singing of Zubimendi would complete Liverpool’s midfield rebuild as they enter the post-Jürgen Klopp era.

It could be argued Bayern Munich need someone like Zubimendi to an even greater extent. Thomas Tuchel has more than once pointed out the Bavarians’ desperate need for a new midfield anchor after missing out on the signing of João Palhinha from Fulham last summer. Zubimendi would be perfect for the role.

First and foremost, Zubimendi is a pace-setter. He dictates the tempo of matches from deep, keeping possession ticking over, switching play and releasing attacking teammates into high-value areas through his sharp use of the ball. Technically, there aren’t many better in the number six position.

Defensively, Zubimendi offers plenty too. No Real Sociedad player has averaged more interceptions per 90 minutes in La Liga this season than the 25-year-old. Zubimendi, however, isn’t a midfield destroyer in the traditional sense. Instead, he usually uses his positional sense and intelligence to pick up loose balls and stop opposition attacks.

This summer could be a big one for Zubimendi. Not only could he be on the move in the transfer window, the 25-year-old is expected to be an important member of Luis de la Fuente’s Spain squad for Euro 2024. Rodri might be ahead of Zubimendi in the pecking order, but there could be room for both in the Spanish midfield unit. 

A strong showing in Germany this summer could push Zubimendi’s stock even higher, if he hasn’t already been captured by another club by the time Euro 2024 kicks off. Arsenal have been linked with the Spanish international while Manchester United could also be in the market for a new number six.

Xavi Hernández wanted Zubimendi to replace Sergio Busquets last summer. He made the signing of the Real Sociedad midfielder a priority only for Barcelona’s board to deliver him Oriol Romeu instead. Romeu, crucially, cost just €4m whereas Zubimendi has a release clause of €60m in his contract with La Real.  

Barca’s interest in Zubimendi is long-standing and at another time it’s possible he would have ended up in Catalonia as the natural heir to Busquets. Right now, though, with Barcelona strapped for cash and redeveloping Camp Nou, Zubimendi is expected to move elsewhere. He won’t be short of options. 

Having spent the entirety of his senior career at Real Sociedad, Zubimendi is ready for the next step in his career. That step could take him to Bayern Munich, Liverpool or somewhere else, but if given the opportunity he would surely choose to follow Alonso, wherever he goes. That has, after all, worked well for him so far. 

(Cover image from IMAGO)

You can follow every Real Sociedad game live with FotMob — featuring deep stats coverage including xG, shot maps, and player ratings. Download the free app here.