Spain manager tells Liverpool exactly what they missed out on under Arne Slot
Liverpool believed they were on the cusp of signing Martin Zubimendi during the summer window, but the Spain midfielder opted to instead stay with Real Sociedad
by Ben Husband · The MirrorSpain manager Luis de la Fuente has hailed Martin Zubimedi as “the second best footballer in the world with Rodri”.
The 25-year-old deputised for the injured Manchester City star as the European champions took on Denmark in Murcia. And Zubimendi was Spain’s matchwinner as his late volley squirmed past Kasper Schmeichel to earn them a 1-0 win over Denmark.
Zubimendi was also the player De la Fuente called upon during the Euro 2024 final against England, when Rodri again suffered an injury. Following that crowning moment, there was a summer of speculation with Liverpool believing they were on the verge of acquiring his services.
However, despite new Anfield boss Arne Slot making him the top priority for his first summer in charge, he opted to stay with Real Sociedad. That decision hasn’t hampered Liverpool in the early weeks of the season, with the Reds top of the Premier League table after the early weeks of the season.
Nevertheless, De la Fuente is adamant that in missing out on Zubimendi, Liverpool missed out on one of the game’s top performers. “Rodri is the best in the world, irreplaceable, but Martín is the second best,” he explained.
“He oozes assuredness from every pore; he doesn’t get nervous walking a tightrope with no safety net.”
De la Fuente added: "Martin gives you everything you ask of him and he has fantastic talent. He doesn't score much, but with us he seems to be starting to get going, so we celebrate it and I hope this continues.
“He is a great player. For me, as I have already said, he is the second best footballer in the world with Rodri."
Zubimendi recently spoke about his summer of speculation and insisted he had no regrets about snubbing the chance to join Liverpool. “My philosophy is to do what I feel at all times,” he said last month.
So far, things have gone well for me. It is true that there was a lot of noise. I went through uncomfortable moments. The best thing for me was to stay here and I am happy and at peace. There is a lot of noise because of the press but in the end everything is easier than all that.”
He then doubled down on his stance, adding: “Of course I don't regret it, I can't think that after four or five games at the start of the season. I made my decision from within, I thought it was the best thing to do, the results don't affect me. I see potential in this team, you just have to watch us train and I'm excited about having a good season.”
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