Martin Zubimendi Stats: Numbers prove he's the perfect Fabinho successor for Liverpool

 

Wataru Endo was never a long-term solution to Liverpool's midfield issues. The Japan international was not a panic buy either. It was obvious last summer that the Reds would need to undergo a sizeable midfield overhaul following the departures of Jordan Henderson and Fabinho, the latter perhaps taking the club by surprise. 

 

Liverpool sought to rectify the Brazilian's exit by approaching both Moises Caicedo and Romeo Lavia, previously of Brighton and Southampton, respectively. The duo would ultimately move to Chelsea. A move for Endo, then, caught many by surprise but after establishing himself as a first choice; the 31-year-old proved to exceed expectations. 

 

Endo, however, was a stop-gap. Even after shining in a Liverpool shirt last season, it was inevitable that the club would pursue a younger ball winner, and that has taken the Reds to Real Sociedad star Martin Zubimendi. When news broke this week that Liverpool were pursuing a 'mystery number six' that didn't play in the Premier League, rumours were abound as to who the Merseyside outfit were looking to sign. 

 

 

In the days since, Zubimendi emerged as the standout candidate. While Real Sociedad are reluctant to lose their two star central midfielders this summer - Mikel Merino is expected to move to Arsenal before too long - but with both players keen on their respective Premier League moves, there is a growing acceptance that the pair will depart La Real. 

 

While a deal is still yet to be completed, Liverpool fans can be confident they have finally secured the long-term successor for Fabinho. While the Brazilian's exit didn't have a huge impact on the Merseyside outfit - 41 goals conceded was the third fewest in the division - they still conceded an xG of 50.58, at times relying on the heroics of Alisson or Caoimhin Kelleher to bail them out. 

 

As such, a safety net is paramount if Liverpool are to really challenge Manchester City and Arsenal in Arne Slot's debut campaign at the Anfield helm. While Zubimendi wasn't first choice for Spain at Euro 2024, which was to be expected considering he has Rodri ahead of him in the pecking order, when the former replaced the latter in the Euro 2024 final; the Manchester City star wasn't missed. 

 

It's feasible to suggest, then, that Liverpool are not only landing a Fabinho successor but in the process, acquiring their own Rodri to finish off their midfield rebuild. Zubimendi may not get stuck in as frequently as others in his role yet he is difficult to bypass when he does commit. Indeed, he averaged 1.7 tackles per 90 in La Liga last season, returning a success rate of 72.1% in the process. Compared to Fabinho in his final campaign at Liverpool, the 30-year-old averaged 2.2 tackles per 90 but in turn; managed just a 63.1% tackle success rate. 

 

Zubimendi may not have the physical presence of Fabinho however that clearly doesn't stop him from winning the ball back in a key area of the pitch. This is further evident in that the former has won possession in the midfield third more times (235) than any other player in the last two La Liga seasons.  

 

 

While Fabinho was a little more refined in possession during his final season at Anfield, finding a teammate with 88.7% of his 61 passes per 90, both higher than Zubimendi in the 2023/24 La Liga campaign (86.4% and 51.7, respectively) Liverpool and Real Sociedad implemented different gameplans between the two campaigns, which saw the former average more possession (60.6%) than the latter (55.5%). 

 

Zubimendi may be able to play a couple of roles in the middle of the park but it's as the deepest lying midfielder that he'll likely feature. Real Sociedad won't accept anything below his €60m release clause but in turn; Liverpool don't really need to strengthen anywhere but in midfield this summer. The Reds are the only Premier League side yet to make a permanent signing so far in the off season so haven't been throwing money around in recent weeks. That is set to change.

 

The Fabinho departure last summer blindsided Liverpool and while they were unable to immediately sign a long-term replacement for the former Monaco man, Zubimendi should prove a suitable successor

Martin Zubimendi Stats: Numbers prove he's the perfect Fabinho successor for Liverpool