I think the optics of having him, Rice and Merino in the same midfield in the big games annoys people, but the fact is that Zubimendi unlocks Rice to be more effective offensively.

Top quality player for sure.

As much as I love Declan, he can be a bit ponderous on the ball and take 2 or 3 touches before playing his pass. Zubi is the kind of player who already knows where he wants to pass it before he gets the ball.

Will be interesting to see how the combinations of Ode, Rice, Zubi, Norgaard, Eze and Nwaneri come together - I don't want to see Merino anywhere near midfield ever again.

I'd be surprised if anyone would have that much to say regarding him that was negative. Personally think he's been excellent so far and I'm delighted we got him. Extremely good on the ball doesn't mind putting his foot in and as he's shown he's a goal threat. I'd say he's in the top three signings of the summer across all teams, outstanding so far really.

better than a crock Rodri

Think he's slotted in v.well. I feel he even has a level to go up aswell, which is promising.

For a smaller guy, he's surprisingly good at winning his aerial duels.

Zubi isn’t small! He’s listed at 5ft11. It’s his baby face!
He’s settling in, Rice in first few games had to try and do a bit of everything including trying to spray out passes etc. But passing and playing between the lines is Zubi’s speciality. He’s also really good at everything else. I don’t think it’s fair to compare him to Rice-totally different players who can compliment each other.
The ‘problem’ now is that if Zubi was to get injured, who would realistically replace him?
Norgaard one would hope can deputise for a short while, and in all fairness he’s a good, proven player at PL level.

5'11 is small.

Hardly small for a midfield player.

It is small for a human male, regardless of position. Anyone under 6ft should be happy, panto season is nearly here.

Zubi is deceptively taller than you'd assume

Guarantee Tu Meke is shorter tho

Just because my peen is bigger, doesn't make yours smaller

For me there is absolute no shadow of a doubt that this guy belongs in the category of world class midfielder.

All he does looks easy and effortless. From the beginning on you can see what player we bought in.

I have nothing than praise for the Spaniard.

Not sure he's an upgrade on Partey but he's been ok thus far. Still a few questions over his ability to shield the back 4 for me, our center backs were left exposed against City

City had 2 chances. The goal came from Gabriel chasing Haaland deep. Nothing to do with being exposed.

comment by The Logical One™ - destroying the souls of trolls 😏 (U20872)
posted 3 hours, 10 minutes ago
Not sure he's an upgrade on Partey but he's been ok thus far. Still a few questions over his ability to shield the back 4 for me, our center backs were left exposed against City
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For me he is an upgrade, Partey was prone to sloppy moments and giving the ball away in dangerous areas. Zubimendi very rarely if at all gives the ball away and the fact we've only conceded 3 goals in 9 matches would suggest that the midfield is functioning well in regards to shielding the defence.

Been outstanding tbh even that foul against liverpool was the right thing to do imo. It just that Slobo hit an absolute banger that he probably wont do again for quite some time.

I reckon now that Saka back and Eze/Gyorke been integrated he could be even better as his through balls are pretty good tbh.

1 goal conceded in open play suggests we don't miss partey and even then that was down to Gabriel running like he was on quick sand for some reason.

comment by Admiral Ozil is my new favourite Star Wars cha... (U10178)
posted 18 hours, 21 minutes ago
comment by The Logical One™ - destroying the souls of trolls 😏 (U20872)
posted 3 hours, 10 minutes ago
Not sure he's an upgrade on Partey but he's been ok thus far. Still a few questions over his ability to shield the back 4 for me, our center backs were left exposed against City
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For me he is an upgrade, Partey was prone to sloppy moments and giving the ball away in dangerous areas. Zubimendi very rarely if at all gives the ball away and the fact we've only conceded 3 goals in 9 matches would suggest that the midfield is functioning well in regards to shielding the defence.
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Very different players but Zubi is a clear upgrade in almost all areas to Partey. Much more energy, quicker on the ball, better passing particuarly those 15-20 yard passes through the midfield, better at winning heads and duels.