To think, some were celebrating a little prematurely when the Premier League and Champions League winner hobbled off at half-time during the final of this summer’s European Championships.
Spain robbed of the big-game excellence and the poise of Rodri, was this the boost England needed to bring an end to their long trophy-drought and have Baddeil and Skinner penning a quick re-write of their famous lyrics?
Well, not quite.
Not after Martin Zubimendi entered the proceedings in Rodri’s place. Not after a 45-minute midfield masterclass from the Liverpool target helped wrestle the tide back in Spain’s favour, and ensure that the trophy claimed by La Roja in both 2008 and 2012 would be heading back to a familiar home.
Mario Suarez, a former Spain midfielder himself, claims that Zubimendi’s introduction ‘changed the game’.
But could the Real Sociedad playmaker prove to be a game-changer at Liverpool, too?
Liverpool close in on Real Sociedad star Martin Zubimendi
HITC understands that talks are progressing regarding a £51 million move to Anfield.
Arne Slot is delighted at the prospect of working alongside one of Europe’s rising midfield stars, Zubimendi expected to slot into the problematic number six role and make it his own at Anfield.
There are some concerns about whether Zubimendi has the ‘physicality’ to really thrive in English football.
Speaking to The Overlap, Liverpool legend Jamie Carragher feels that his former employers need both strength and legs in the centre of the park, while Zubimendi is more renowned for his probing passes and his composure in front of the backline.
But Mario Suarez insists that, if Liverpool utilise him correctly, Anfield could soon be home to Xabi Alonso’s heir apparent.
“He is an amazing player. I don’t know if (his lack of) physically is what is what the Premier League needs, but he’s a very clever player,” Suarez, formerly of Watford and Atletico Madrid, tells ESPN.
“He’s small. He’s not the strongest. He’s not the fastest. He’s not the type of player that we are used to watching in the Premier League.
“In Spain they compare him to Xabi Alonso a lot, with all the respect. I think if he gives 70, 80 per cent of what Alonso gave to Liverpool, he will be a great signing.
“Let’s see what happens with the release clause, but what I can tell you about him is that he’s a really good player with a good quality. Good long pass, good short pass, tactically he is very intelligent, very clever.
“Let’s see physically if he can improve. (He will) for sure, if he goes there. So, I think he will be a great signing for Liverpool.”
Likened to Anfield legend Xabi Alonso
Liverpool often fielded Alexis Mac Allister or Wataru Endo in the role once dominated by Fabinho throughout 2023/24, to rather mixed results.
Anyone tasked with filling such a position must also have the the agility, the power and the ground-eating mobility to provide cover for the roving talents of Trent Alexander-Arnold, as Jordan Henderson did so effectively for so many years.
That, Suarez says, is a task Zubimendi must get used to very quickly.
“My concern about him is physically; How he can cover Alexander-Arnold when they go to attack. That’s my concern,” adds Suarez.
“With the ball, it’s true that he plays very short passes because that’s Sociedad’s style of play. I think he’s a good player. I don’t know if he will start immediately, but he’s got a great future.
“(Zubimendi’s lack of physicality) is my doubt. My concern. But he makes every player around him better, he’s very clever. So I think he will need some time but I think he will adapt.”
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