​Arsenal’s Premier League-winning midfielder Martin Zubimendi has been described as the second-best player in the world at his position by Spain’s head coach Luis de la Fuente, despite limited game time at the 2026 World Cup. Although he has not been a regular fixture in Spain’s lineup during the tournament, Zubimendi remains highly regarded as one of the top specialists in his role. Many observers contend that Spain possesses the strongest squad in the competition, a depth that has made it difficult for Zubimendi to break into the starting XI. While he played a pivotal part in Arsenal’s domestic triumph this past season, his opportunities on the international stage have been scarce.
There was anticipation that he would be named in Spain’s World Cup squad following an outstanding season with Arsenal. Yet Rodri has retained his place in the lineup throughout the tournament, leaving Zubimendi on the bench. This lack of playing time has frustrated Arsenal supporters, who would have preferred to see the midfielder deployed more frequently for Spain. Even with his limited involvement, De la Fuente has publicly stated that he holds Zubimendi in very high regard. The Metro quoted the Spain coach saying that Rodri is the guiding light of the team, a player of exceptional vision, and that Zubimendi sits just behind him as the second-best in his position globally.
It may be surprising that a player rated so highly has seen few opportunities at the World Cup, but Spain’s depth has constrained his chances to influence the tournament. From Arsenal’s perspective, there could be a silver lining in this situation. With less playing time during the World Cup, Zubimendi is likely to return to club duty fresher than many of his teammates who have been more regularly involved. Arsenal will be hoping that this lighter workload will help him start the new season in excellent form, building on the impressive contributions that helped secure the Premier League crown.
What lies ahead for Zubimendi could be beneficial for Arsenal. A refreshed, motivated midfielder returning from international duty might provide an extra edge as the team prepares to defend their title and push for continued success. The ongoing dialogue between club and country, coupled with his evident talent, suggests that Zubimendi remains an important asset for Arsenal’s plans in the coming campaign, even if his World Cup involvement has been more limited than anticipated.