Arsenal midfielders Declan Rice and Martin Zubimendi have formed an exceptional partnership that's transforming the Gunners' fortunes, with both players earning widespread praise following their team's dominant 3-1 victory over Bayern Munich in the Champions League.
Midfield Masterclass at Emirates Stadium
The North London club delivered a stunning performance against the Bundesliga giants at the Emirates Stadium, ending Bayern Munich's perfect start to the Champions League campaign with a comprehensive display. The victory has propelled Mikel Arteta's side to the top of both their Premier League and Champions League groups, despite navigating significant injury concerns throughout the season.
Summer signing Martin Zubimendi has emerged as a crucial component in Arsenal's success, with his presence allowing Declan Rice to operate with greater freedom and attacking intent. The Spanish international's impact hasn't gone unnoticed by both current teammates and club legends.
Keown Spots Revolutionary Partnership
Former Arsenal defender Martin Keown observed the transformative effect Zubimendi has had on Rice's role within the team. Speaking on TNT Sports coverage, Keown directly addressed Rice about his midfield partner's influence.
"Declan, just talk to me about Zubimendi," Keown began. "I was saying there that you were running free in that game. Galloping all over the pitch, it was just like someone has lifted the chains off you. Is it Zubimendi that is giving you that licence? Because it was just there."
Rice immediately confirmed Keown's assessment, revealing the instant connection he developed with the Spanish midfielder since his arrival during the summer transfer window.
Rice Reveals Instant Chemistry
"Yeah, it's been so easy to play with him," Rice admitted. "We only signed him in the summer, and usually it takes a while to build a connection. But from the first moment we had together in pre-season, I could just tell that I was going to play some good football with him."
The England international emphasised how their understanding has grown with each match, describing Zubimendi as "such a nice guy" both on and off the pitch. Rice particularly highlighted the qualities that make Spanish defensive midfielders among the world's best.
"He is the Spain number six, and we know what Spanish number sixes are like," Rice explained. "They are the best at first-phase build-up, turning on the ball and playing forward, playing into pockets, and that is exactly what we've got with him."
Rice concluded with emphatic praise for his midfield partner, stating: "We all trust him with the ball. If there is a player on you, it is just easy to give him the ball, and we all feel so confident with him. He has been so good for us - an unbelievable player."
Summer Signing Proving Crucial
Zubimendi's seamless integration into the Arsenal squad comes after the club invested in eight new signings during the summer transfer window to strengthen their challenge for both Premier League and Champions League honours. The midfielder had been strongly linked with a move to Liverpool twelve months before eventually joining the Gunners earlier this year.
His performances have justified Arsenal's pursuit, with Zubimendi establishing himself as a key figure in Arteta's system. The victory over Bayern Munich demonstrates how effectively the new-look midfield partnership between Rice and Zubimendi is functioning against Europe's elite clubs.
As Arsenal continue to compete on multiple fronts, the understanding between their two central midfielders appears to be growing stronger with each match, providing Gunners fans with optimism for what the remainder of the season might bring.
