SimplyThePest interestingly, he has very similar progressive passing distances and completion percentages to Partey. Other interesting player in the wild is Pavlovic at Bayern. But he doesn't start a lot because he has two incredible mids ahead of him and he's always sick, but at 20 years of age, he is one to watch

    He's a good player but De Jong is better IMO. Barca have a lot of talents in that area especially with Bernal coming back from injury, so I believe they'd be ready to do a deal. Only potential stumbling block are his wages.....

      Yeah. I’d take Zubi over him. Watch some Zubi games. He can help us with speeding things up. Thing I like about him is like Ousmaane Dembele, he is very two footed which means he can distribute both sides quickly and even when under pressure. Note that Partey has a right side bias.

      And then we can solve the other aspects of speed with Ekitike and Nico

        Zubi is top of my list. I do wonder if this Real stuff is why we are back on Guimares, who I'd also be happy to sign. I'm not sold on DeJong, he's a good player but wages, injuries and generally never quite reaching his potential make me a bit luke warm on him.

        Claudius And then we can solve the other aspects of speed with Ekitike and Nico

        I've got tickets for Athletic v Rayo Vallecano when in Bilbao in a couple of weeks time - looking forward to seeing Nico in action.

          Would be a blow to lose him. Orny seems to think he's still coming.

          I don't think there's much truth to the Guimaraes rumors personally. I don't think any of the big sources have run with them and it's just been lower tiered sources saying that Berta likes him. If we truly are after Isak this summer, we wouldn't go after both IMO.

          Ornstein seems pretty convinced that the reports Real are in for Zubimendi are false. I think we will get him and I think he's going to be a very good signing for us. I've been very excited with what we have seen from Rice in the last 2-3 months and have less hesitation about letting him be the long term all action 8, especially with someone like Zubimendi holding it down behind him. That partnership could be great next year - I hope we get him in early so he can start training with the team as soon as pre-season starts to limit any adjustment period.

          • CPM likes this.

          Zubimendi looks pretty good defensively. More of a metronome passer, doesn't have Partey's range/creativity I don't think, but still looks a top player to me.

            CPM I wouldn't pretend to be an expert but this video seems to suggest otherwise.

            • est replied to this.

                The analysis of Zubimendi seems all wrong to me. I think he's more progressive than any of our midfielders, and I think all the stats are essentially wrong because they don't take the reality of La Real into account.

                  Coombs and I know nobody likes NT stats with small samples, but I think they're more relevant to Arsenal and he blows our guys out of the water.

                    I at least am not looking at stats. I use match comps to judge potential transfers. There's a good number on Zubimendi, and this is the picture I get: surprisingly robust defensively, very precise tackler, turns beautifully with great ball control, keeps it simple, plays deft and tidy passes, and very good resisting pressure. Lots of short, sideways, and backwards passes. Less adventurous than Partey, but steadier as well. He would be a good complement to Rice and our more dynamic inverted fullbacks.


                    Really don't like what I've seen of him if we're bringing him in to be an upgrade on Partey and Jorginho. His touch seems very loose and he holds onto the ball far too long for my liking only to end up passing it wide or backwards.

                    On the plus side he's very combative and switched on defensively and tackles quite hard, but we have enough of those qualities in Rice and Merino to a certain extent.

                    Overall I reckon he'll end up being solid yet frustrating player, and end up exacerbating our horseshoe of death pattern and being the target of frustration from the fans.

                    • CPM replied to this.

                      Big Willie I don't think he's an upgrade per se, he's a replacement for them. Partey has been quite good for us this season, so that's an important bit of squad maintenance. Also, Zubi's fitness record the last few seasons is impressive, he's played a lot of matches. He'll be steady and reliable.

                          We just need a player like this with Partey and Jorginho done. Watch Real Madrid to see a team without a playmaker. They lack structure.

                          Horseshoe of death is fine by the way. It’s what we do when we find teams out of formation that is the bigger issue. And that we have to solve with speedy forwards

                          I don't think Zubimendi will be an upgrade either, and it's rather hard for him to be in any case, given how good Partey and Jorginho have been. I do expect a slight drop off but what he does offer is being a ready made replacement who is the best player on the market in his position. I don't think there is anyone better who isn't potential.