Martin Zubimendi includes Manchester City and Barcelona duo in his top 3 midfielders in world football
Martin Zubimendi has named Manchester City's Rodri and Barcelona's Rodri in his three-man list of the world's best midfielders. The Real Sociedad, heavily linked with a move away, went with a Spanish theme.
Rodri, 28, was included in Zubimendi's group after winning the Ballon d'Or after helping Spain win Euro 2024. He lost just one of 85 games for club and country over the past year, posting nine goals and 14 assists in 50 games for Manchester City.
Zubimendi told ESPN:
"Rodri easy, the current Ballon d'Or. Not much to say."
Pedri, 22, was part of La Roja's squad that won the European Championships this past summer. He's excelling under Hansi Flick at Barcelona with three goals and two assists in 18 games.
Zubimendi said:
"If I can put Pedri as number eight. (He has) a talent I think few (players) have. Besides, he doesn't stop running, he offers himself. A lot of personality. Apart from his technique, he works a lot and I can enjoy him."
Zubimendi's final choice was Barca icon Sergio Busquets, to whom he's earned comparisons at Reale Arena. He said of the current Inter Miami star:
"Legend. Absolute legend."
Busquets, 36, is one of the greatest defensive midfielders to grace the game. He excelled at Camp Nou, with 18 goals and 46 assists in 722 games before departing last summer.
Manchester City reportedly eye Zubimendi who Barcelona missed out on
Zubimendi was linked with a move to Liverpool in the summer but stayed with Sociedad. He's reportedly had a change of heart and wants to try out Premier League football.
The Sun reports that Manchester City may give him that opportunity as they look for a Rodri replacement. The Ballon d'Or winner is sidelined with an ACL injury and will miss the rest of the season.
City are considering paying the £50.3 million release clause in Zubimendi's contract. A move would come just six months after he turned down a move to Anfield.
Barcelona reportedly also held an interest in Zubimendi, but their former manager, Xavi, failed to convince him to move to Camp Nou, per Relevo. Hansi Flick's arrival changed the situation completely, and the Catalans' links with the Spaniard dissipated.
Zubimendi is viewed as more likely to head to the Premier League than remain in La Liga if he leaves Sociedad. He has just under three years left on his contract.
