Ex-PGMOL Chief Keith Hackett warns Arsenal Boss Mikel Arteta regarding Martin Zubimendi.
Former Ref Warns Mikel Arteta About Zubimendi’s Aggression
Martin Zubimendi’s arrival at Arsenal has lifted hopes among fans. Now, many expecting him to bring balance to the midfield.
He was signed from Real Sociedad for around £55.8m. The Spaniard was brought in to free up Declan Rice for a more attacking role. However, the buzz around this signing has taken an unexpected turn.
Keith Hackett, a former head of the Professional Game Match Officials Limited, has warned Mikel Arteta. Hackett has officiated matches at the highest level for years. He thinks Zubimendi’s style could get him into trouble with English referees.
He pointed out that challenges which go unnoticed in Spain may get him booked in the EPL. In fact, Zubimendi’s debut pre-season game against Newcastle saw him booked for his very first foul. So, that adds up to the concerns.
Will The Midfielder Follow Arsenal’s Midfield Pattern?
Despite the warning, Zubimendi’s past suggests he plays a fair game. Across 236 matches for Real Sociedad, he has got 47 yellow cards but never saw red. That will be a stat that Arsenal fans will be proud of. But, the EPL is a faster, more physical game. There responses from the referees are different as well.
Last season, no other team received more red cards than Arsenal. So, they need to be very careful about this. Arteta has had tough midfielders who walked a similar line between aggression and discipline.
Noni Madueke and Viktor Gyokeres will be joining Zubimendi ahead of the new season. Although, they have potential, we are unsure how he will handle the levelof the PL.
Whether Hackett’s concerns come true or not, remains to be seen. But, one thing’s clear, Arteta will need to manage his new midfielder carefully.
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