Overview
- Spain beat Georgia 4–0 in Tbilisi to clinch qualification, with Martín Zubimendi starting under Luis de la Fuente and scoring the second goal.
- Per Sofascore, he completed 82 of 87 passes (94%) with 92% accuracy in the opposition half, went five-of-six on long balls and logged 97 touches.
- Marca called him “the anchor of Spain,” and coverage in Spain questioned whether Rodri automatically reclaims the starting pivot once fit.
- His emergence has been linked to Arsenal’s July move worth about £51m from Real Sociedad, with Sport arguing Real Madrid should regret missing out.
- Mikel Arteta has hailed him as exceptional, and Arsenal fans highlighted a recovery run against Khvicha Kvaratskhelia as emblematic of his impact.