Zubimendi complements Declan Rice brilliantly he's the guard dog in front of the centre-backs' Gilberto Silva outlines what Martin Zubimendi brings to Arsenal

"Arsenal's progress under Mikel Arteta has been as much about structure as it has style. While the Gunners of old under Arsene Wenger cultivated a reputation as English football's most silky side, Arteta's Arsenal is more robust and more physical with particular importance placed on the Emirates engine room. Gilberto Silva played that role during the Gunners last title win and believes that Arteta was able to add the final piece to a title-winning jigsaw in the summer."

"Zubimendi complements Declan Rice brilliantly he's the guard dog in front of the centre-backs, occupying space, playing simply and efficiently, Gilberto tells FourFourTwo. Gilberto was a Premier League and World Cup winner in that role and believes that the 24-time Spain international has the anticipation and positional discipline that served him so well during his own six-year stint in north London. He's the little engine constantly filling the gaps, offering Declan the freedom to push forward, arrive in the box and even score goals."

"While Arsenal have moved into the second half of February in contention for all four major trophies this year, the club's ultimate goal is to return to the summit of English football and claim their first Premier League title since 2004. A hat-trick of successive second-placed finishes threatens to give Arsenal an always-the-bridesmaid label and Gilberto admits coming so close, so many times may be an issue."

Arsenal under Mikel Arteta emphasizes structural robustness and physicality, prioritizing a strong midfield engine room. Martin Zubimendi arrived from Real Sociedad for a reported £55 million and brings positional discipline and anticipation. Zubimendi operates as a guard dog ahead of the centre-backs, occupying space and playing simply to allow Declan Rice licence to advance. Gilberto Silva compares Zubimendi's role to his own during Arsenal's last title-winning campaign and highlights the player's ability to fill gaps consistently. Arsenal remain involved in multiple competitions while aiming to reclaim the Premier League title they last won in 2004.

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