Former Arsenal defender praises the impact of Zubimendi signing

Martin Zubimendi was brought in by Arsenal this summer from Real Sociedad, and former Arsenal defender Philippe Senderos has hailed him as the signing of the season for Arsenal.

After finishing second three seasons in a row in the Premier League, Arsenal were looking to reinforce their squad this past summer, and one of the biggest names they brought in was Sociedad star and Euros winner Martin Zubimendi.

The Spaniard has impressed this season, and Senderos shared his thoughts on the midfielder, just as he also gave his opinion on some of the other signings that Arsenal made.

Zubimendi is the signing of the season

Since his arrival, the Spanish midfielder has started every single Premier League match, and the impact he has had has definitely been noticed by the former Swiss sensation.

“All of the new players have had an impact, but Zubimendi is the one for me who has had the most impact. He has really helped to balance the midfield and the squad. He has allowed Declan Rice to have a bit more freedom to make his runs, and that is what Declan Rice likes to do.”

“He doesn`t like to sit down and Zubimendi is that type of player. He has aggression and can move the ball very intelligently as well. He has been a fantastic signing for Arsenal and has added a lot to the squad.”

Senderos also shared his thoughts on Eze and Gyokeres, and even though he makes it clear that he likes both of them, he also points out that both still have to find their feet in the Premier League.

“You need a big squad if you want to compete and Eze will definitely have more highlights and top moments this season. The injury of Martin Odegaard was definitely not helping him and Arsenal, because we know the importance of Odegaard. He triggers the press and the forward movements, but Eze has done a good job finding space and we will see more from him.”

“I think Gyokeres` movement has been impressive. He will continue to make those runs and move like this. It is not easy to be a number nine at Arsenal because it comes with a lot of responsibility, but we will see many goals from him. He will get the service, but of course it takes time to adapt to the Premier League.”

“He will still have to find his feet, but we have seen some important goals already and it looks like he fits very well with the rest of the squad.”

Rice knows what it means to represent Arsenal

Declan Rice quickly established himself as a generational talent in the Premier League when he got his breakthrough at West Ham, but since joining Arsenal in 2023, the midfielder has shown that he is one of the best players in the league.

The Englishman, however, still gets a bit of criticism and is often compared to Caicedo, but Senderos doesn`t care much for that comparison.

“With everything Declan Rice does and who he is, he represents Arsenal very well. He is from London and understands what it means to play for Arsenal. He is a great leader and the fans like him, because they see how much he cares and does for Arsenal.”

“I think the comparison with Caicedo is the kind of comparison that people do. I will not enter that, but Rice brings a lot to Arsenal. You know, just the two goals he scored against Real Madrid last season shows the quality he has. The doubters will always have something to say.”

Early to say - but Arsenal are in a good position

After 11 games of the new league season, Arsenal are leading the Premier League with a four-point gap over Manchester City. Their next test comes in the form of the North London derby against rivals Tottenham, which they are 19/50 favourites to win. If you fancy backing Arteta’s men, you can do so using our bet365 bonus code.

With that being said, Senderos still believes it is way too early to predict who will win the trophy at the end of the season; however, he makes it clear that Arsenal are in a good position.

“Of course, we are in November so it is still early to say, but Arsenal are in a very good position to at least compete for the title. This is the kind of team we want to see as Arsenal fans. They are competing and going into the games with a determination to win.”

“I am very pleased with the position they are in, and I am sure they are as well. They will just continue to become even better.”

After 10 wins in a row with only one goal conceded, Arsenal drew against Sunderland and conceded two goals. Alas, Senderos believes that earning a point at the Stadium of Light is still a good result considering how well they are playing.

“Even though Arsenal should have finished off the match against Sunderland, I still think it was a good point away against Sunderland. Sunderland have been really impressive in the start of the season and have done really well at home.”

“It was a tough game and at 2-1 anything can happen with a set piece. For Man City, it was expected that they would come back stronger. Liverpool is struggling a bit to find the right balance in the team and this was highlighted in that match.”

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