Mikel Arteta says even he has been surprised by one Arsenal player this season, he’s ‘exceptional’
Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has every reason to be delighted with his players this season.
The Gunners have had a very difficult start to the campaign, with matches against Manchester United, Liverpool, Manchester City and Newcastle United in the first six weeks.
Despite a difficult schedule, Arsenal are top of the Premier League table after eight games, and the players deserve huge credit for that.
One player in particular has been incredible, so much so that even Arteta was surprised: Martin Zubimendi.
Mikel Arteta says Martin Zubimendi surprised him at Arsenal
Arsenal signed Zubimendi from Real Sociedad this summer.
The Spaniard had been on the Gunners’ radar for a few years and Mikel Arteta finally found his man before the start of this season.
Zubimendi was excellent in the middle of the park for Arsenal. He also scored two goals and appears to have adapted brilliantly despite never having played in the Premier League before.
It’s really impressive. Even Arteta claimed the midfielder’s speed of adaptation blew him away.
After Marca compared him to Manchester City star Rodri, Arteta told the outlet: “I don’t like comparisons. I think ‘Zubi’ has to make his own way, and he does.
“Since his arrival, his impact on the team has been exceptional, and it’s very difficult.
“I’ve seen many midfielders reach the Premier League, coming from top positions in other leagues, and they struggled. It took them a year or two to become what they are.
“It’s surprising how quickly and easily he adapts.”
Martin Zubimendi will become even better at Arsenal
Zubimendi deserves all the praise he has received in recent weeks.
Arsenal truly struck gold with the Spaniard, who was fantastic in all phases of the match under the famous red and whites.
However, we believe the best of Zubimendi is yet to come.
The former Real Sociedad player continues to build relationships on the pitch, and once he becomes fully acquainted with his teammates, he will become even better.
Additionally, Zubimendi is still only 26 years old, meaning he won’t reach the peak of his career for at least another year.
We can’t wait to see how good he will be when that happens.