95% passing, 100% duels, 7/7 long balls: 110-touch Arsenal star delivers dazzling performance on Int'l duty
Spain picked up a 2-0 victory over Georgia in their World Cup qualifier on Saturday evening.
La Roja dominated the game from the start and registered a comfortable win at the Estadio Martínez Valero.
Yeremy Pino and Mikel Oyarzabal were the goal scorers for the hosts, but there were several other standout displays.
Arsenal midfield duo Martin Zubimendi and Mikel Merino were picked in the XI, and the former had a superb outing.
Zubimendi had 110 touches in the game, completing 91 out of 96 passes attempted (95 percent).
The former Real Sociedad man completed 100 per cent of his long balls (7/7) and won every duel (7/7).
The 26-year-old also made two recoveries and three interceptions, and had a comfortable evening as expected in front of the fans.
The midfielder has had a superb start to the season for club and country. He played second fiddle to Rodri in the past for the number six role with Spain.
Irrespective of Rodri’s fitness, Zubimendi has now established himself as the main man for the position.
Zubimendi started on the bench during Arsenal’s recent 2-0 league win over West Ham United, but was introduced early.
Martin Odegaard’s third injury of the season paved the way for his first-half entry, and he played a part in both goals.
The Spaniard brilliantly put Eberechi Eze through on goal. Eze’s powerful effort was saved, but Declan Rice scored from the rebound.
Zubimendi’s long pass to Jurrien Timber contributed to the penalty, which was eventually converted by Bukayo Saka.
The midfielder is expected to return to the starting XI when the Gunners face Fulham at Craven Cottage next weekend.
Before that, he will be in action for Spain in Tuesday’s World Cup qualifier against Bulgaria at the Estadio Jose Zorrilla.
Stats from Sofascore.com
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