Arsenal legend Thierry Henry has defended Martin Zubimendi amid criticism of the midfielder's performances, drawing a parallel with Manchester City's Rodri. Henry urged doubters to remember the initial scepticism surrounding Rodri when he first joined the Premier League.
Zubimendi joined Arsenal from Real Sociedad last summer on a five-year contract, with the club paying slightly above his £51 million release clause. However, the 27-year-old has struggled to impress in high-profile matches, prompting debate over whether Arsenal should seek a replacement, with Newcastle's Sandro Tonali among the names mentioned.
Speaking to Betway, Henry said: 'People like to talk a lot about everything and everyone. First it was Bukayo Saka, then Odegaard, then Gyokeres, Chelsea, Cole Palmer, the referee etc. You can always raise issues. Zubimendi just arrived in the league, and when Rodri first arrived I remember people weren't sure about him.'
Henry added: 'People can say whatever they want, and rightly so. Everything is so analysed by everybody, including myself, but that's how it is at the top. If you're not at the top or the bottom, I'm not sure people will talk about you. I've been there, so embrace being criticised, and make sure that at the end you can show something that might prove people wrong.'
Zubimendi recently withdrew from Spain duty due to a knee problem and is a doubt for Arsenal's FA Cup quarter-final against Southampton on Saturday. The Gunners also face Sporting in the Champions League quarter-final first leg next week.
