Liverpool Transfer News: Martin Zubimendi Stats as Arne Slot targets Number 6

 

With less than 10 days to go until the new Premier League season gets underway, Liverpool remain the only club in the top-flight yet to make a permanent signing in the summer transfer window. 

 

The Reds are in a period of transition under new manager Arne Slot, with changes also afoot in the boardroom. 

 

Former sporting director Michael Edwards has returned to the club in a more senior role, with Richard Hughes and Julian Ward both reporting into him. 

 

 

Liverpool have often taken their time in the market to ascertain the appropriate time to make moves, with well-informed data analysis and scouting reinforcing every transfer target. This summer, however, the Anfield faithful have been eager to see movement, and it may finally be on the horizon. 

 

On Tuesday, The Athletic reported that Liverpool have now identified a ‘specialist No 6’ from outside of the Premier League. Given the ambiguity of the news, supporters rushed to try and identify the mystery man, with many arriving at the same name: Martin Zubimendi. 

 

The Real Sociedad midfielder has already been linked with some of Europe’s biggest clubs this summer, including Liverpool’s Premier League rivals Arsenal and Manchester United. 

 

The 25-year-old is seen as one of the most complete ‘modern’ No 6s in Europe, and his performances alongside the Arsenal-bound Mikel Merino for La Real last season saw his stock rise even further. 

 

Zubimendi can play both as a No 6 or as a No 8, but it is his suitability to the former role that makes him an attractive option for Liverpool this summer. The Spain international is a technically-gifted, composed conductor of the game, capable of picking the right pass and progressing play upfield with his actions. 

 

Standing at 5ft 9in, Zubimendi is not physically dominant and does not break up play as a destroyer, but his approach would appear well-suited to the possession-based style of play Arne Slot hopes to have his Liverpool team playing this season. 

 

Even without the imposing physical presence of a player like Declan Rice or Rodri, Zubimendi is still more than capable of winning possession as the deepest midfielder; indeed, the 25-year-old has won possession in the midfield third more times (235) than any other player in the past two La Liga seasons.

 

 

He is defensively solid, having made 1.6 tackles and 1.2 interceptions per game in the Spanish top-flight last term, but also capable of having an impact at the other end of the pitch. Last season, Zubimendi netted a career-best four league goals, while also providing one assist.

 

With the Real Sociedad midfielder reported to be available for around €60million, owing to a release clause in his contract in Spain, and with his best years still ahead of him, there is no question that he would represent a solid addition to Liverpool’s midfield this summer.

Liverpool Transfer News: Martin Zubimendi Stats as Arne Slot targets Number 6