It looks like the first signing of the Arne Slot era could be a holding midfielder as the Liverpool have shown interest in Real Sociedad‘s Martin Zubimendi.
In terms of heads, it isn’t a position they are lacking in. Alexis Mac Allister and Wataru Endo, who both joined the Reds last summer, shared the responsibility of the position in holding midfield last season but it looks like Slot wants something new.
Looking at the numbers, Zubimendi could be described as a less ‘busy’ midfielder than his counterparts. The 25-year old won less than one tackle per 90 minutes last season which may sound low for a defensive midfielder, especially when Mac Allister won almost double the amount of tackles per 90 minutes.
Mac Allister and Endo may make more tackles, but Zubimendi is the more efficient in the challenge. He is the only one of the three who won more than half of his tackles against dribblers last season. Zubimendi’s 54% in this stat beats Spanish team mate Rodri last season (52%), a man who is widely regarded as one of the finest defensive midfielders around.
Zubimendi also boasts a much better disciplinary record than the Liverpool duo. Despite playing more minutes than both Mac Allister and Endo, his five yellow cards fairs nicely against Mac Allister’s nine and Endo’s twelve bookings in 2023-24.
Zubimendi isn’t particularly tall but his 65% success in aerial duels is a neat upgrade on Slot’s current options and may add a bit of steel to Liverpool’s midfield.
What do you make of Zubimendi, Liverpool fans? Is he an upgrade on Mac Allister and Endo, or would you rather the money be spent elsewhere?
Let us know your thoughts on Zubimendi here
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