De La Fuente Ranks Zubimendi Behind Only Rodri
Spain head coach Luis de la Fuente has made a striking declaration about Arsenal midfielder Martin Zubimendi, ranking him as the second-best defensive midfielder in world football following La Roja's victorious 2026 FIFA World Cup campaign. Speaking after Spain's triumph, De la Fuente insisted that only Manchester City captain Rodri outranks the 26-year-old Arsenal star in the holding midfield role.
According to Metro, De la Fuente stated that Zubimendi's performances for both club and country have propelled him into football's elite category. While acknowledging Rodri as the benchmark, the Spain coach did not hesitate to place Zubimendi directly behind the Ballon d'Or winner.
"With all due respect, and I don't mean to offend anyone, I said that doubting Rodri was an insult to football intelligence. He's the best player in the world in his position, knowing that we have Martin Zubimendi behind him, who is also another great player, surely the second best in the world."
Zubimendi's Rise at Arsenal and Spain
Zubimendi, who recently completed his move to Arsenal after establishing himself at Real Sociedad, was one of Spain's standout performers throughout the 2026 World Cup. He played a pivotal role in midfield as Spain defeated Argentina in the final to lift the trophy. Known for his composure on the ball, positional awareness, and ability to dictate play from deep, the Basque midfielder has become one of Europe's most sought-after talents.
His contributions have earned widespread acclaim, with many viewing him as the natural successor to Rodri in Spain's midfield, as reported by Tribuna. De la Fuente's public endorsement underscores Zubimendi's growing influence within the squad and signals his importance for future Spain campaigns.
Spain's Record-Breaking Run
Spain's World Cup triumph capped another successful tournament under De la Fuente, who has now guided the national team to major international honours. Notably, Spain broke Italy's long-standing international unbeaten record during the tournament, extending their run to 38 consecutive games without a loss. Italy had previously held the record at 37 unbeaten matches, a streak that had stood as one of football's most celebrated benchmarks.
The combination of individual accolades and team success has solidified Spain's dominance in world football, with De la Fuente's tactical acumen and player management receiving high praise.
Debate Over Rankings
De la Fuente's bold claim about Zubimendi has sparked debate among football fans and pundits. While Rodri's status as the world's best defensive midfielder is widely accepted, placing Zubimendi second ahead of other elite candidates such as Declan Rice, Joshua Kimmich, or Aurelien Tchouameni has raised questions. However, the Spain coach's confidence in his player reflects Zubimendi's consistent high-level performances in crucial matches.
As Zubimendi continues to adapt to Arsenal's style under Mikel Arteta, his international reputation is likely to grow further. With De la Fuente's ringing endorsement, the midfielder's place among the world's elite seems secure.
