Martín Zubimendi had been frequently linked with a transfer to Anfield over the previous two weeks. Sadly, the switch in query is now confirmed to be off after Actual Sociedad’s allure offensive succeeded in persuading the holding midfielder to remain put in Spain.
Much more irritating for followers of the membership – it seems that the Merseysiders gained’t be pursuing another choice to plug the No.6 hole that has plagued the outfit lately, in response to The Athletic’s James Pearce.
While it might really feel like throwing salt within the wound, some could also be left questioning how the footballer could have match into Arne Slot’s facet if his decision-making course of had gone the opposite approach.
Regardless of no new arrivals, Liverpool have impressed underneath Arne Slot throughout pre-season, particularly throughout their 4-1 demolition of Sevilla over the weekend. Alexis Mac Allister, Ryan Gravenberch, and Dominik Szoboszlai began in midfield, and all three performed properly.
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They’re additionally the gamers Zubimendi would have competed with for a beginning spot if he had agreed a transfer to Anfield. Over his profession at Sociedad, the No.4 has carried out greatest in a deep-lying central midfield place, that means he’d doubtless have performed as one of many two deeper midfielders in Arne Slot’s favoured 4-2-3-1 formation.
His performances at this summer season’s Euros completely demonstrated his strengths. Zubimendi is defensively stable and possesses the elite technical high quality that has outlined Spanish midfielders over the previous decade. The midfielder can even progress the ball successfully with a wonderful vary of passing. Liverpool sit third within the Premier League betting, and his addition would solely have made the squad extra aggressive.
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Zubimendi made his La Liga debut for Actual Sociedad in 2019 however solely established himself within the senior facet in the course of the 2020/21 season. Since his debut, he’s made properly over 150 appearances for his boyhood membership. His type of play has drawn comparisons to Barcelona legend Sergio Busquets, excessive reward for any midfielder. A more moderen comparability is Man Metropolis star Rodri, who Zubimendi changed at halftime of the Euro 2024 closing.
To high all of it off, former Liverpool favorite Xabi Alonso (and now head coach of Bundesliga winners Bayer Leverkusen) had spoken extremely of his former protege.
If Liverpool had managed to strike a deal for the 25-year-old, it could have opened up a number of potentialities for Arne Slot in midfield. Zubimendi would doubtless have been the extra defensive of Slot’s two deep midfielders, giving his companion extra licence to get ahead. His abilities imply he had the potential to type an outstanding partnership with Szoboszlai or Mac Allister.
Zubimendi’s arrival would have doubtless diminished the taking part in time of Japanese veteran Wataru Endo, and he could have opted to depart Anfield in that occasion. Ryan Gravenberch is one other midfielder who may have misplaced minutes, although now seems to be the direct beneficiary of the Sociedad star’s resolution to stay in San Sebastian.
Time for the Dutchman to step up and show his price within the 2024/25 marketing campaign? Fairly presumably, given Liverpool’s reported place.
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