Martin Zubimendi Deserves Greater Recognition as a Contender for Premier League Player of the Season Amid Arsenal's Strong Title Charger
Arsenal stand as clear favourites to secure the 2025/26 Premier League title, commanding a substantial lead with roughly a third of the campaign left. Under Mikel Arteta, the Gunners have shown impressive balance and consistency in their pursuit of a first league crown in over two decades.
A major factor in this success has been the seamless arrival of Spanish midfielder **Martin Zubimendi**, who joined from Real Sociedad in the summer for around £55.8 million ($76.3 million). The 27-year-old has adapted to the Premier League with remarkable ease, performing like a long-time Emirates stalwart rather than a newcomer adjusting to England's intensity.
Despite his pivotal contributions, Zubimendi has flown somewhat under the radar compared to flashier teammates or goal-heavy stars. Yet his influence has been profound—especially in partnership with Declan Rice. The duo has forged an exceptional understanding since pre-season, blending Zubimendi's elegant passing, vision in tight spaces, and composure on the ball with Rice's physicality, carrying ability, and pressing strength. Both have added surprising goal threats from midfield.
Zubimendi has already netted six goals in 34 appearances for Arsenal—surpassing his previous career-high of four at Real Sociedad. These include a stunning long-range strike in a recent 3-0 victory over Sunderland, as well as contributions from intelligent movement in the final third and aerial prowess. Arteta has praised this unexpected dimension: "He's contributing now to the team in a way that probably we didn't expect that much, but he really has an intuition and quality to deliver those moments in and around the box."
This attacking output has proven vital, as Arsenal's forwards have been inconsistent. Viktor Gyokeres leads with 13 goals in 32 games but started slowly, while Bukayo Saka (7 goals) and Gabriel Martinelli (10, often from the bench) have not hit peak levels. Returns from injury for players like Kai Havertz and Gabriel Jesus have been limited in impact. In this context, Zubimendi's midfield goals have helped bridge the gap, preventing over-reliance on a dedicated No.9.
His pedigree was evident earlier too: stepping in for injured Rodri in Spain's Euro 2024 final triumph over England, earning high praise from the Manchester City star: "He's a great player. He has the discipline and mentality that can lead him to become one of the best, if he isn't already."
Declan Rice has echoed similar admiration: "It's been so easy to play with him... Our understanding of each other has been outstanding. He's such a nice guy. He is the Spain No.6 and we know what Spanish No.6s are like. They are the best at first phase build-up, turning on the ball and playing forward, playing into pockets... We all trust him with the ball."
With Arsenal's defence solid and midfield dominance clear, rivals like Manchester City lack a standout individual case beyond Erling Haaland's scoring (shared Golden Boot chase with others like Antoine Semenyo). Historically, the Player of the Season award often goes to a key figure from the champions. While Rice is also in contention, Zubimendi's flawless integration, unexpected scoring, and role as the "final piece" in Arteta's system arguably make him the most deserving of wider acclaim.
If Arsenal go on to lift the trophy, Zubimendi's understated excellence could well see him crowned the Premier League's standout performer this season.
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