Liverpool’s Transfer Focus: Number 6 Roe and The Pursuit of Zubimendi

The Need for a Reliable Number 6

During Liverpool’s pre-season tour of the United States, one notable observation was the variation in starters for the Number 6 position across the three friendlies. Wataru Endo, Dominik Szoboszlai, and Ryan Gravenberch all had their chances to start in this crucial role under head coach Arne Slot. Despite the efforts of Szoboszlai and Gravenberch, Endo, who is Liverpool’s most natural Number 6, struggled to maintain his spot.

This inconsistency has underscored the importance of securing a dependable Number 6 in the transfer market. Liverpool’s main target is Real Sociedad’s Martin Zubimendi, who has a €60 million (£51.6 million) release clause. The pursuit of Zubimendi reveals Liverpool’s desire for a modern holding midfielder, one who excels both in defence and possession.

Evolution of the Number 6 Role

The traditional view of a Number 6 as merely a destroyer is outdated. In contemporary football, especially for top-tier teams, a Number 6 must be adept with the ball, capable of initiating plays and maintaining possession under pressure. Slot’s coaching philosophy, emphasised during training sessions with commands like “Kill them with passes!”, illustrates the shift towards a possession-based approach.

Effective build-up play from deep positions has been a hallmark of Liverpool’s strategy in their friendlies. This requires every player, especially the Number 6, to be technically proficient and composed on the ball. Slot considers the Number 6 position to be vital in executing this strategy, as it involves playing through the centre and dealing with high-pressure situations.

Zubimendi: The Ideal Candidate

Martin Zubimendi fits the profile of the modern Number 6 perfectly. His time at Real Sociedad has seen him excel at the base of their midfield diamond, dictating play and providing a reliable outlet for his teammates. Zubimendi is known for his intelligence, calmness, and ability to find space and make decisive passes under pressure.

However, convincing Zubimendi to leave Real Sociedad is challenging. His loyalty to the club, where he has been since age 12, is strong. Despite this, Liverpool’s interest signals their recognition of his potential to transform their midfield dynamics.

“(Next season) I’m going to be at Real Sociedad. I have a contract with Real Sociedad and that’s where I feel most comfortable,” Zubimendi stated to El Diario Vasco during the European Championship.

Learning from a Liverpool Legend

During his tenure in Sociedad’s B team, Zubimendi briefly worked with former Liverpool midfielder Xabi Alonso, who praised Zubimendi’s understanding of build-up play and his ability to read the game. Alonso’s influence has been significant in shaping Zubimendi’s approach to the Number 6 role.

“He has that ability to generate play, to make those around him better, always offering solutions; to improve the move,” Alonso said in 2022. “He understands what the next step is before the ball gets to him. He has that ability to organise the axis. I loved working with him.”

Strategic Implications for Liverpool

Liverpool have yet to make a formal bid for Zubimendi, and Real Sociedad are only willing to negotiate if the player expresses a desire to leave. If the deal does not materialise, Liverpool’s pursuit of other options may be influenced by the limited availability and the challenging market conditions. A recent bid from Marseille for Endo was rejected, highlighting Liverpool’s need for quality depth in the midfield.

Slot has multiple candidates for the Number 6 position, yet the targeted interest in Zubimendi suggests he is seeking a player with specific attributes that his current squad lacks. This focus on Zubimendi could indicate Slot’s intent to build a team capable of dominating possession and executing his tactical vision.

The Pursuit

Liverpool’s pursuit of Martin Zubimendi reflects their strategic need to strengthen the Number 6 position with a player who is not just defensively sound but also proficient in maintaining and progressing possession. This shift aligns with modern football trends, where a holding midfielder must contribute significantly to both defence and attack.

As Liverpool continue their transfer efforts, securing a player of Zubimendi’s calibre could be pivotal in achieving their ambitions for the upcoming season. The evolution of the Number 6 role and Liverpool’s specific requirements underline the club’s commitment to tactical innovation and excellence on the pitch.

Statistical Analysis By Anfield Index

Martin Zubimendi’s Positional Heatmap

Martin Zubimendi’s heatmap, courtesy of xfb Analytics, reveals the midfielder’s extensive influence across the pitch. The high-intensity zones highlight his active involvement in both defensive and attacking phases of play. This distribution suggests a player who excels in maintaining balance and linking various aspects of his team’s performance.

Performance Data Insights

Analysing Zubimendi’s performance data, it’s evident that his role extends beyond a traditional holding midfielder. His ability to cover significant ground and maintain high-intensity involvement in critical areas showcases his versatility and importance to Real Sociedad’s system. The heatmap indicates frequent touches and involvement in central and wide areas, pointing to his dynamic playing style and capability to adapt to different game situations.

Ground Duels and Stats

Zubimendi’s stats on ground duels further underline his prowess. His positioning allows him to engage effectively in duels, often resulting in regained possession or disrupted opposition play. This ability to dominate ground duels makes him a key asset in the midfield, providing a robust defensive shield while also facilitating the transition to attack.

In conclusion, Martin Zubimendi’s heatmap and performance data illustrate a player of exceptional calibre, whose influence spans the entire pitch. This insight is crucial for teams like Liverpool, who are in search of a versatile and impactful Number 6.

The defensive workrate visualisation of Martin Zubimendi, a cornerstone of Real Sociedad’s midfield, offers an insightful glimpse into his comprehensive defensive contributions. This detailed map illustrates the density and spread of Zubimendi’s defensive actions, including tackles, interceptions, clearances, aerial challenges, and fouls.

Zubimendi’s defensive stats highlight his effectiveness across the pitch, particularly in central and defensive zones. The numerous tackles (indicated by red dots) and interceptions (light blue dots) spread throughout the midfield demonstrate his proactive approach to regaining possession and disrupting the opposition’s play. His ability to read the game and position himself strategically is evident from the cluster of actions in critical areas.

Game Intelligence Personified

The variety in his defensive contributions is noteworthy. Zubimendi’s aerial challenges (dark blue dots) and clearances (orange dots) showcase his versatility and capability in dealing with different types of threats. His presence is equally strong in front of his own goal and in the middle third, where he frequently engages in duels to regain control for his team.

This performance data underlines Zubimendi’s role as a multifaceted defensive midfielder. His stats reflect not only a high defensive workrate but also a tactical awareness that makes him indispensable to Real Sociedad. Such attributes make him a prime candidate for Liverpool’s need for a robust and reliable Number 6.