David Raya says ‘very clever’ Arsenal signing has impressed him the most – ‘adapted so quickly’
Arsenal enjoyed a transformative summer transfer window that accelerated their Premier League title ambitions.
Although Liverpool spent the most of any top-flight team, Arsenal arguably had the best window, utilising their war chest of funds to strengthen key positions.
Firstly, Mikel Arteta signed the striker he desperately craved as Viktor Gyokeres joined from Sporting CP, while efforts were made to reinforce their defence and midfield.
Arsenal captured Cristhian Mosquera from Valencia, along with fellow defender Pierro Hincapie, who arrived from Bayer Leverkusen.
It was in midfield, though, where the Gunners inarguably enjoyed their biggest overhaul, with Martin Zubimendi lured from Real Sociedad, Eberechi Eze making the switch to Arsenal from Crystal Palace, and Christian Norgaard securing a move from Brentford.
David Raya impressed the most by Martin Zubimendi
When David Raya was asked which summer signing has impressed him the most, the goalkeeper replied with Spanish teammate Zubimendi.
“I think Martín Zubimendi,” Raya told ESPN FC. “He’s a player who is very, very clever. He adapted very, very well to the league, where a lot of players take a little longer to adapt – especially in his role. He’s just adapted so, so quickly, and you can see what he does for the team.”
Arsenal were crying out for a ball-playing defensive midfielder to protect their back line, and the arrival of Zubimendi has answered those prayers.
Combining elite-level passing under pressure and an incredible ability to read the game, the 26-year-old has adapted to the Premier League like a duck to water.
Zubimendi has started every single game in the league and even scored a brace during a 3-0 victory over Nottingham Forest in September.
Arguably one of the first names on the team sheet, Arsenal’s midfield dictator continues to go from strength to strength and is crucial to their title-winning chances.
Mikel Arteta’s verdict on Zubimendi
Speaking after he scored two wonderful goals against Forest, Arteta was wowed by Zubimendi’s impact, citing his ‘authority’ as the key in their engine room.
“Unbelievable,” Arteta said in his post-match press conference. “Two very difficult goals in terms of execution. But yeah, I think he’s come in the team, he’s come to the club and you feel a real presence, a real authority in everything that he does on that pitch as well.
“And if he can, on top of that, contribute in the scoreline with goals, what else can we ask?”
“And it was a new-look forward line that caused Forest all kinds of problems, made more impressive by the fact it was the first time they’d started a game together.”
There’s no wonder Raya has rated him as Arsenal’s most impressive signing, as he’s inarguably made the biggest impact so far.