While 1win app analysts track the rising value of Europe’s elite midfielders, few players have captured the imagination quite like Martin Zubimendi. The Real Sociedad star, who turned down Liverpool’s advances to remain loyal to his boyhood club, represents a unique blend of chess-master intellect and modern football excellence.
From Rejected Prospect to Midfield Maestro
Zubimendi’s journey defies conventional wisdom. Twice nearly released from Real Sociedad’s academy, the 181cm prospect began as an unremarkable center-back who lacked the pace for full-back duties. His family pushed him toward alternative careers – his father suggested becoming a physical education teacher, while his mother advocated for law school. Yet Zubimendi’s dedication to the club never wavered, even accepting youth terms that his peers would have dismissed.
What kept him focused during these challenging times was his other passion: chess. As the San Sebastian youth champion in the under-12 category, Zubimendi developed a unique perspective on football through the lens of chess strategy. “It’s my favorite activity,” he explains. “Chess taught me a crucial lesson: every mistake can be fatal. You must maintain concentration and control everything, or you’ll lose. Football shares similarities with chess, though it’s more complex because you’re not just thinking about yourself.”
The Xabi Alonso Effect: A Mentor’s Touch
The turning point in Zubimendi’s career came in 2019 when he met Xabi Alonso, who had just taken charge of Real Sociedad’s B team. Their connection was immediate and profound, extending beyond tactical discussions to encompass philosophy and art. Alonso found in Zubimendi his first true disciple, often spending hours with him in restaurants while other players received less attention.
Under Alonso’s guidance, Zubimendi transformed from an unremarkable defender into a sophisticated holding midfielder. “He’s a player every coach in the world would want,” Alonso later remarked at Bayer Leverkusen. “He’s generous, always thinking about his teammates. Zubimendi masterfully controls the game and makes others better. He calculates every move before the ball reaches him.”
The player’s gratitude toward his mentor is evident: “Alonso showed me how to recognize and distinguish different types of pressing from opponents. How to overcome pressure, help the team – before him, I played on instinct without thinking about such things. He made me truly understand game-building concepts and how to play correctly.”
By the way, don’t deny yourself the pleasure of reading another of our articles about stars who became club owners after their careers.
The Modern Midfield Master
Zubimendi’s influence on Real Sociedad’s play has become so profound that opposing managers design specific tactics to neutralize him. Girona’s Michel deployed a triangle of players to contain him, while Diego Simeone assigned Julian Alvarez as his personal marker. Even Carlo Ancelotti had to adjust Real Madrid’s tactics mid-game after initially underestimating Zubimendi’s impact.
His statistical dominance in La Liga speaks volumes – leading defensive midfielders in both interceptions and tackles while maintaining exceptional ball progression numbers. Spain national team coach Luis de la Fuente considers him second only to Rodri among world’s defensive midfielders, a testament to his rapid development.
Comparisons to Sergio Busquets become inevitable, with the Barcelona legend himself naming Zubimendi alongside Joshua Kimmich and Rodri as midfielders with “Catalan DNA.” Xavi Hernandez’s persistent interest in bringing him to Barcelona further validates these comparisons: “Zubimendi is an extraordinary pivot. He plays in the style we like at Barcelona – it’s our style. He’s a top footballer who reached an elite level at just 24.”
What sets Zubimendi apart is his unique approach to the game, combining chess-like strategic thinking with modern football demands. Unlike many contemporary midfielders who rely on physical attributes, his game is built entirely on intellectual foundations. “I don’t know how good I am,” he reflects modestly. “Maybe not very, but there’s no time to dwell on it. I never stop. I’m a perfectionist always looking for flaws in myself. This quality made me who I am.”
As top clubs continue to circle, with Xabi Alonso’s recent comment “We’ll meet again” sparking fresh speculation, Zubimendi’s future remains intriguingly poised. His journey from rejected prospect to one of Europe’s most coveted midfielders demonstrates that in modern football, mental acuity can still triumph over physical prowess, especially when shaped by chess-master thinking and world-class mentorship.
His story serves as a testament to the nuanced art of midfield play, where vision, decision-making, and tactical discipline can define a player’s legacy. Whether he eventually dons the colors of a European giant or remains a symbol of loyalty to his current club, Zubimendi’s influence will undoubtedly shape the next generation of midfielders. Fans traveling to watch him in action might appreciate the insights found in guides like The Ultimate Guide to Enjoying a Manchester United Match Experience, underscoring how preparation can elevate any football experience.
