The rise of Myles Lewis-Skelly has given Arsenal fans plenty to celebrate in recent weeks, but many supporters believe another key figure is quietly being overlooked — Martin Zubimendi.
While Lewis-Skelly’s breakout performances have sparked excitement across the Arsenal fanbase, several fans are now reminding people that Zubimendi was widely considered one of the club’s best signings earlier in the season. Before injuries disrupted momentum and attention shifted toward younger stars, Arsenal’s midfield dominance often revolved around the calm and intelligent presence of the Spanish international.
Under Mikel Arteta, Arsenal developed into one of Europe’s most controlled and tactically balanced teams this season, and Zubimendi played a massive role in that transformation. After arriving from Real Sociedad, the midfielder quickly brought composure, structure, and stability to Arsenal’s midfield.
Throughout Arsenal’s strongest run of the campaign, the Gunners consistently controlled possession, dominated midfield battles, and looked comfortable even in high-pressure games. Fans noticed how smoothly Arsenal progressed the ball whenever Zubimendi operated at the base of midfield.
Although he was never the type of player to dominate highlight reels with goals or flashy assists, his tactical influence became impossible to ignore. Modern football often judges midfielders by attacking statistics, but players like Zubimendi impact almost every phase of the game without needing constant headlines.
His positioning, awareness, and composure under pressure allowed Arsenal to dictate the tempo of matches. He rarely gave the ball away cheaply, constantly scanned for passing options, and provided defensive protection for the back line.
Those qualities helped Arsenal become one of the most dominant teams in Europe for long stretches of the season.
One major benefit of Zubimendi’s presence was the freedom it gave to other midfielders, especially Declan Rice. With the Spaniard controlling buildup play and protecting central areas, Rice was able to push forward more often and contribute creatively without worrying about leaving the defense exposed.
That balance transformed Arsenal into a more complete side.
The team became harder to press, more secure in possession, and far more efficient at progressing the ball through midfield. In big games especially, Arsenal often looked calm and organized because of the intelligence and discipline Zubimendi brought to the center of the pitch.
Many supporters now feel football fans are too quick to forget that impact simply because another exciting player is currently in the spotlight.
Lewis-Skelly absolutely deserves praise for stepping up in recent weeks. The teenager has shown tremendous confidence, energy, and maturity far beyond his age. His performances have injected fresh excitement into the squad, and many fans believe he could become a long-term star under Arteta.
The youngster’s ability to drive forward with the ball, break lines, and play fearlessly has added a new dimension to Arsenal’s midfield setup. Tactical analysts have even praised the way Arsenal’s midfield structure evolved recently with Lewis-Skelly offering more vertical movement and aggression.
Naturally, that has created enormous hype online.
However, many Arsenal supporters argue the conversation should never become “Lewis-Skelly versus Zubimendi.” Instead, they believe Arsenal’s success comes from having midfielders with different qualities who complement one another.
Zubimendi provides calmness, structure, and positional discipline.
Lewis-Skelly brings energy, dynamism, and attacking intent.
Together, they offer Arsenal tactical flexibility that could define the club’s future.
Supporters across football communities continue to highlight how important Zubimendi remains to Arteta’s system despite the growing excitement around younger players. Many fans point out that Arsenal’s most dominant period this season came with the Spaniard controlling matches from deep midfield.
Some supporters have also stressed that players like Zubimendi become even more valuable in difficult matches where experience and composure are essential. Against elite opposition, controlling possession and avoiding mistakes often matter more than individual moments of brilliance.
That is exactly where the Spaniard thrives.
His ability to slow the game down under pressure, recycle possession intelligently, and shield the defense gives Arsenal a level of control that few teams in Europe can match when fully functioning.
Even tactically, Arteta’s system appears built around midfield intelligence and positional discipline — qualities Zubimendi consistently delivers.
Football discussions on social media can change quickly. A player can dominate headlines for months and suddenly become overlooked once another star emerges. Many Arsenal fans believe that is exactly what has happened with Zubimendi.
Earlier in the campaign, he was regularly praised as one of the smartest and most influential players in the squad. Analysts, supporters, and football experts repeatedly highlighted how much control he brought to Arsenal’s overall structure.
Now, with Lewis-Skelly enjoying a breakthrough moment, some supporters feel people are forgetting the foundation that had already been built earlier in the season.
Arsenal did not become one of Europe’s strongest sides by accident.
The club’s rise under Arteta has been built on tactical organization, intelligent recruitment, and midfield dominance. Zubimendi represented all of those qualities from the moment he arrived.
His calmness in possession helped Arsenal escape pressure.
His positioning protected the defense.
His passing controlled the rhythm of matches.
And perhaps most importantly, his presence made the players around him better.
That type of midfielder may never receive the same attention as goalscorers or flashy dribblers, but elite teams are often built around players exactly like him.
Lewis-Skelly’s emergence should excite Arsenal supporters because it gives the squad another elite option, not because it diminishes what Zubimendi already achieved.
The reality is Arsenal need both profiles if they want to compete for major trophies consistently. Young energy and experienced control are equally important over the course of a long season.
As Arsenal continue fighting for domestic and European success, midfield balance could become the deciding factor in the biggest matches ahead.
Big Champions League knockout games are rarely won through chaos. They are usually decided by composure, intelligence, and control — areas where Zubimendi excels.
That is why many Arsenal fans are now urging others not to forget just how important the Spaniard was for most of the campaign.
Players like Myles Lewis-Skelly deserve every bit of praise coming their way, but Arsenal’s dominance earlier in the season was built around more than hype or individual moments.
For months, Martin Zubimendi quietly controlled games, stabilized the midfield, and helped transform Arsenal into one of the most complete teams in Europe.
And many supporters believe that contribution should never be forgotten.
