Despite only 45 minutes to play, the pair of Martin Zubimendi and Christian Norgaard is very impressive. They somewhat showed the quick integration and quality to help Arsenal gain the middle line enough to cope with every opponent.
The result of 1-0 against AC Milan may not accurately reflect Arsenal's overwhelming match in the friendly match compared to each parameter, Mikel Arteta's team is superior in all aspects, such as the time of controlling the ball, the number of corner kicks and especially in the number of action shots-23 times compared to 3 of the opponent.
However, what made the gunner fans most excited in this match was not only the victory in the first match of the summer friendly series 2025 but also the performance of expensive rookies in the middle of the field that the club had to do every way to bring in this summer, most notably Martin Zubimendi, who had impressive debut.
Zubimendi, the new midfielder joined from Real Sociedad, played excellently when he replaced Christian Norgaard. This shows why Liverpool wants him from the summer of 2024 until now and coach Arteta wants to bring him back to Arsenal at all costs at the summer transfer window 2025.
Despite only 45 minutes, Zubimendi has shown the qualities in the central midfielder position with accurate passing skills and great tactical vision. He coordinated very well with Declan Rice, creating a promising midfield duo for the next season.
The most remarkable thing in Zubimendi's performance is the ability to read the match and control of the pace. He plays creatively from the deep route, can regulate the match from afar. Despite only launching Arsenal, Zubimendi made the fans of the team feel like the Spanish midfielder has been in the club for a long time.
Besides Zubimendi, another rookie also showed that he came to Arsenal not to be prepared but ready to fight for a place in the middle of the yard. It was Norgaard, the new rookie joined from Brentford for £ 15 million. Despite playing only 45 minutes in the first half, Norgaard proved his ability from the first minute.
Norgaard has some inaccurate passes, but the most prominent thing is his ability to regain the ball. With 5 successful ball recovery, the most in the first half.
Although it was just a friendly match, Arsenal fans did not hide their excitement at the performance of the rookies. On social networks, many fans praised both Norgaard and Zubimendi.
- Norgaard really plays very neatly, both when there is and there is no ball
- Only less than 20 million pounds but Arsenal had something that many clubs craving. Nogaard is so good.
- Norgaard was not only the one who came to deepen the squad, he immediately proved his value. So is Zubimendi. This player handle everything too smooth
- Norgaard is a smart player, knowing what he needs to do. Strong as still brain. Peak
With these two rookies and the appearance of other additional and two wings, Arteta is gradually creating a team that is competitive enough in the Premier League and European arenas.
