Integrating Spanish flavor into the Premier League, Arsenal now has the strongest midfielder in Europe?

Under the leadership of Arteta, Arsenal is starting the new season with vigorous ambitions and aiming at the Premier League championship. This strong confidence comes largely from the new midfield partner of two Spanish players, Zubimendi and Merino. Can they become the best midfield combination in the Premier League today? The answer is gradually becoming clear.

Zubimedi: A silent metronome, controlling the new core of the midfield

If Declan Rice and Odegao were the core figures in the Gunners' tactical system in the past few seasons, then now, this pair of Spanish double stars from the Basque Country is injecting a new temperament into Arsenal's midfield: ultimate ball control, close connection, and the calmness and wisdom unique to Spanish football.

From the first game of joining, Zubimendi proved to the world why Arteta regarded him as the key puzzle for building a tactical system. This midfielder born in 1999 quickly became the "melodder" for the team to control the rhythm with excellent position, calm pressure resistance, and accurate vertical passes.

In the game against Nottingham Forest, Zubimendi touched the ball up to 48 times in the game, which intuitively reflects his core role in organizational scheduling. He is not only good at getting rid of opponents' pressing, but also a modern "No. 6" player - not only able to defend, but also suddenly move forward to create murderous intent. During his time at Real Sociedad, he passed many times and scored a goal. But now at Arsenal, this trait continues. In this round of the game, he scored twice, shocking the Premier League.

It can be said that Arteta finally found an ideal candidate with the calmness of Busquets and the hardness of Rodri: he was calm and wise, and could also send a fatal blow at critical moments.

Merino: a never-ending source of energy, a universal player who connects offense and defense. If Zubimendi brings calmness, then the 28-year-old Merino is an endless source of power. With his excellent physical fitness and ability to cover the entire field, he quickly became a key hub connecting the front and back courts, effectively alleviating the opponent's high-pressure pressing, and providing smooth support to the offensive end.

Merino is most commendable for his ability to handle balls in a small space. Often, he can easily get rid of the siege and send out the key pass to tear the defense line with just one touch or a turn. This is the most needed weapon for breaking the situation when facing intensive defense.

In addition, he also has excellent heading skills - a feature that once made him famous in La Liga, and is also shining in the Premier League, which emphasizes physical confrontation. Whether it is high-altitude threats on the offensive end or air defense tasks on the defense, Merino has made Arsenal's tactical choices more abundant.

A British media even commented on his performance in the match against Nottingham Forest: "Its value is comparable to a dynasty." This is not an exaggeration, but a sincere recognition of the huge influence of this low-key midfielder.

Spanish art landed on the Premier League stage: the former teammates reunite, creating a dream midfielder

Once upon a time, Zubimendi, Merino and Odegao fought side by side at Real Sociedad; now, the three of them gathered again, but the stage has been replaced by Emirates Stadium. Under Arteta's careful training, Spanish football's delicate and smooth ball-control philosophy is quietly integrating into the blood of this Premier League powerhouse.

Zubimendi and Merino are not only good at ball control and safe transmission, but also have the flexibility to quickly change offense and defense. This allows Arsenal to maintain the advantage of ball possession and to speed up and break through the opponent's defense line in an instant.

Of course, the role of Declan Rice cannot be ignored. He is like a solid barrier, firmly guarding the front line, providing sufficient freedom for the two Spanish midfielders to organize and dispatch.

As for Odegao, although he is currently absent due to injury, he is still the team's most creative commander. Once he returns from injury, he will form a fantasy linkage with Zubimendi and Merino. At that time, Arsenal's midfield configuration will be one of the most balanced and powerful existences in Europe.

Zubimedi and Merino's collaboration at Arsenal is not only a tactical upgrade, but also a moving story of reunion. The last time the three started at the same time can be traced back to Real Sociedad five years ago. Who would have thought that this midfield iron triangle would gather at the Emirates Stadium many years later to pursue higher glory under Arteta? Today, this pair of Spanish midfielder Gemini has become the core pillar of Arsenal's ambition to compete for the championship.