Martin Zubimendi: Why Liverpool are targeting Real Sociedad's Sergio Busquets-regen as Reds eye first summer signing

San Sebastian has become a hotbed for footballing talent, with some of the game's best midfielders of recent generations emerging from the Basque city. Like Xabi Alonso and Mikel Arteta before him, Zubimendi was born there, and like Alonso, he joined La Real's academy in his younger years, becoming a mainstay for the youth sides from the age of 12.

Zubimendi worked his way up from there, as he debuted with Real Sociedad C in 2016, before joining the B team in 2020, where none other than Alonso oversaw his development as a player.

“I wasn’t even with him a full season because of the pandemic, but those were lovely months,” Zubimendi told The Guardianin 2022. “It was when he came that I started playing more; with Xabi, I got a run of games. I could feel the affection he had for me, which maybe comes from having the same position. He made a point of trying to show me things, teaching me."

Zubimendi had the backing of Alonso - as well as the hype from his youth-team days - to make a push for the first team at an early age. He made his La Real debut as a 20-year-old in April 2019, coming on as a late substitute against Getafe. Zubimendi then stuck around the senior ranks for the following campaign, before fully breaking into the first team for good during the 2020-21 season, making 31 appearances for a side that pushed for Champions League qualification.

Zubimendi's form caught the eye of Spain boss Luis Enrique, too. The midfielder had previously been in the picture for the youth national teams, but in 2021, after a number of positive Covid tests swept through La Roja's senior squad, Zubimendi was called into action to make his international debut.

Since then, Zubimendi has become a regular for club and country. He started all-but one league game in 2022-23, and only missed two in the most recent campaign. His role in the national team has only expanded, too, as he now has 10 Spain caps to his name, the last of which came when he was entrusted to step into the the injured Rodri's shoes and play the second half of the triumphant Euro 2024 final.

More broadly, Zubimendi has developed a reputation as one of the best defensive midfielders in world football. His education from club legend Alonso, backed up by his central role in an exciting team, have made a primary target for a number of Champions League-level clubs.

As Zubimendi has previously been linked with Barcelona, many have compared him to Blaugrana legend Busquets, the player whose role he would potentially take on were he to end up in Catalunya. Comparisons can be dangerous, however, especially since the now-Inter Miami midfielder defined the way the modern No.6 plays. In effect, every 'pivot' since his rise to prominence has been some sort of copy.

Zubimendi, to his credit, would seem to fit that classic mould. His distribution from deep areas is near-unmatched in Spanish football, as the midfielder can often be found dropping between centre-backs before picking a forward pass either into La Real's more advanced midfielders or wingers. But he can also play sideways when needs be, speeding up or slowing down the game from deep.

He's reliable without the ball, too. Although La Real are a relatively compact side who prefer to control the game rather than open it up, Zubimendi is excellent at controlling space and putting out fires. While not full of pace, his tackling ability and reading of the game make him a valuable shielding presence who can ensure things remain steady in front of the backline.

It's hard to point out any significant weaknesses in Zubimendi's game. He plays in what is arguably the most specialised position in modern football, and does so with aplomb.

Perhaps the only issue for Zubimendi going forward might be the pace of the game. His rare poor showings last season came in the more frantic contests, such as La Real's two-leg loss to Paris Saint-Germain in the Champions League, where a chaotic game rather passed him by. That will be something to keep an eye on if he is to make a Premier League move.

Zubimendi, in truth, could have left La Real last season, with any number of European clubs willing to take him on. But he opted to stay, eager to play Champions League football with his hometown team.

However, with La Real having finished sixth in La Liga last term, playing in Europe's premier club competition is off the table were Zubimendi to remain loyal to his boyhood club. Liverpool would guarantee him another chance to test himself at the highest level, though the player himself remained calm in the face of increased reports regarding his future.

"They are just rumours, I am happy at Real Sociedad, it is like my home," he told Marca in April. "I cannot say that I will play my entire career at Real Sociedad, perhaps the club won’t want me to continue in the future. But I do not concern myself with these rumours."

It is worth noting that Zubimendi's contract contains a €60 million (£52m/$64.5m) release clause, meaning he would not be unaffordable, at least for a top Premier League club. And if he does move on in the coming weeks, it will be with a reputation as yet another fine footballer to come out of an area rife with midfield talent.