‘He’s a great player’: Rodri backs Arsenal rival to become one of world’s best

Manchester City midfielder Rodri has claimed Arsenal’s Martin Zubimendi has the potential to be one of the best players in the world.

Arsenal beat off competition from the likes of Liverpool and Real Madrid to sign Zubimendi this summer. The Spain International was signed from Real Sociedad for around £55million and has been hailed a player who can lead Arsenal to silverware on a regular basis.

Rodri plays alongside Zubimendi in the Spain national team and has a high opinion of his fellow midfielder, tipping the 26-year-old to replace him as the future star of the national side.

Martin Zubimendi plays alongside Rodri in the heart of Spain midfield. (Photo by GSI/Icon Sport via Getty Images)

The reigning Ballon d’Or winner believes Zubimendi’s discipline and mentality are what sets him apart from his rival midfielders after already impressing during Arsenal’s first three games of the season.

“He’s a great player,’ Rodri said ahead of Spain’s World Cup qualifier against Turkey. “He has the discipline and mentality that can lead him to become one of the best, if he isn’t already.

“I spoke to him the other day and told him it was his time, that I was leaving him the keys to the team.”

Rodri and Zubimendi both starred in the Spain team that beat England 2-1 to win Euro 2024 last year – an achievement that led to the former being named as Ballon d’Or winner.

But that prestigious accolade also came at a difficult time for Rodri as he was ruled out for the season with an agonising ACL injury.

Rodri noted that the injury certainly overshadowed the honour of receiving the award, but admitted it helped him during a testing period on the sidelines.

“The injury is much more significant than the Ballon d’Or,’ he added. ‘It was a breath of fresh air at a time when I was having a really hard time. I’m happy for the recognition.”

The Manchester City midfielder is yet to rediscover the form that saw him win the award last year and will be eager to prove doubters wrong as he continues to find his full fitness.