Martin Zubimendi Reveals Brutal Truth About Premier League Football

Martin Zubimendi has offered an honest and insightful reflection on the contrasts between football in the Premier League and La Liga, revealing how the English game’s pace and intensity have forced him to adapt both mentally and tactically. The Spanish midfielder, who joined Arsenal as a key summer signing, says the biggest adjustment has not been technical ability—but mindset.

“Be a man” — the Premier League mentality

“The mentality is: be a man. Go into clashes hard. It’s more direct,” Zubimendi explained. “In Spain when you get the ball, it’s more about keeping it; in England, whenever you win it, it’s straight on to the attack. Transitions are unavoidable, it’s harder to control. But handling that is not about ability as such, it’s getting your mind used to it.”

For a player raised in a controlled, possession-based system, England’s constant transitions mark a significant change. Matches in the Premier League flow faster, challenges are fiercer, and turnovers often lead directly to scoring chances. For Zubimendi, the adaptation process has been as much about embracing the physical side of the game as learning to think quicker under pressure.

The importance of set pieces

One aspect that has particularly surprised Zubimendi is how decisive set pieces are in English football. “The thing that has most struck me is the dead ball, how important it is. I’m seeing loads of goals from that and they’re often what opens up the game. We have a set-play coach and we work on that practically daily,” he said. This recognition highlights how Arsenal, under Mikel Arteta, have fine-tuned their approach to capitalize on every small advantage—something that’s become a hallmark of elite Premier League sides.

Fitting into Arteta’s structure

Zubimendi made it clear that his move to Arsenal was not just about adjusting to English football but also about joining a project that values his skill set. “I chose a team in Arsenal on the basis of my qualities too: what they wanted from me. I have to adapt my play a bit in terms of playing faster, more direct,” he said. “I’m a pivot, but in this structure I have the chance to take that step forward and Arteta insists a lot that I can play that final pass and make the difference.”

That trust from Arteta has allowed the Spaniard to expand his influence. While still functioning as a deep-lying midfielder, Zubimendi has been encouraged to look for vertical passes and occasionally join attacking moves, adding another dimension to Arsenal’s fluid midfield system.

Staying true to his identity

Despite the adjustments, Zubimendi remains committed to maintaining the essence of his game. “If they have signed me it is because they like what I do. They know this is what I can contribute to the team. If I changed my profile it would be an error,” he said. That blend of self-awareness and adaptability has made him a perfect fit for Arteta’s evolving Arsenal—disciplined, intelligent, and brave in possession.

As he continues to grow in England, Zubimendi’s understanding of the Premier League’s intensity will only sharpen. Yet, his determination to stay authentic to his footballing principles ensures he remains the same calm conductor—now thriving on a much bigger stage.