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Roberto Martínez expressed great admiration for Martín Zubimendi following Spain’s impressive 4-0 win, highlighting the midfielder’s performance that showcased his increasing impact at the top level.

After the match, Martínez referred to Zubimendi as “the heartbeat of the team,” emphasizing that his goal was merely one aspect of a performance that highlighted his intelligence, discipline, and leadership in midfield.

Spain controlled the game from the start, but it was Zubimendi’s command in the center of the pitch that provided Martínez’s team with the foundation to play freely and confidently. Positioned at the base of midfield, the Real Sociedad player set the tempo, disrupted opposing attacks, and consistently made himself available as an option, enabling Spain to maintain possession and apply pressure.

Martínez was especially struck by Zubimendi’s maturity, pointing out that his awareness of space and timing distinguished simple possession from true control. “What Martín brings us is balance,” Martínez stated. “He understands when to slow the game down and when to speed it up. That kind of intelligence is not easily taught.”

Zubimendi capped off his performance with a well-executed goal that effectively extinguished any hopes of a comeback. Arriving late in the box, he finished with composure, a moment Martínez described as a reward for a player who seldom seeks the spotlight but consistently provides substance. “He doesn’t pursue goals or accolades,” Martínez remarked. “But football has a way of rewarding players who consistently do the right things.”

In addition to the objective, Martínez emphasized Zubimendi’s defensive role, noting his keen positional awareness and his capacity to anticipate threats before they materialized. He consistently intercepted passes and protected the defensive line, ensuring that Spain stayed organized even while advancing forward.

The coach also indicated that Zubimendi’s performance served as a message to both his teammates and opponents. With intense competition in Spain’s midfield, Martínez made it evident that performances like this simplify selection choices. “When you perform like this, you eliminate any doubts for the coach,” he remarked. “You provide him with assurance.”

Martínez further commended Zubimendi’s leadership traits, highlighting that although he may not be the most vocal player on the field, his conduct sets a benchmark for others. He pointed out that younger players gain significant advantages from playing alongside someone who inherently grasps the concepts of responsibility and discipline.

As Spain continues to gain momentum, Martínez is confident that Zubimendi’s significance will only increase. “Teams secure championships from the midfield,” he concluded. “And tonight, Martín demonstrated precisely why he is becoming essential for us.”

The 4-0 result showcased Spain’s superiority, but for Martínez, the true fulfillment came from witnessing Zubimendi execute a comprehensive midfield display—one that integrated tactical acumen, technical skill, and impactful contributions. In the coach’s view, it was “the performance of a player destined for the highest level.”