Arne Slot has hinted that Martin Zubimendi would have been perfect signing for his Liverpool team.
The Reds were among the clubs heavily linked with a deal to sign the Real Sociedad star, along with Arsenal.
However it is the Gunners who look set to get their man.
Mikel Arteta‘s side are in advanced talks over a £51million deal to sign the 25-year-old, talkSPORT understands.
But discussing Liverpool’s tactical set up, Slot revealed just how ideal a fit Zubimendi would have been at Anfield.
Speaking to TNT Sports about the way he gets his midfielders to occupy deep-lying central area, Slot said: “I prefer them to get the ball behind those two.
“Therefore these two (Liverpool centre-backs) are so important that we can find them behind those two (first line of opposition press), instead of asking the ball over here or there or there (wide).
“We prefer them keep more in midfield.
“I even think the player that we wanted to bring in – I think it’s out in the open that much – was also a player that was really comfortable, is still a player that is really comfortable on the ball and can bring the ball from our last line to our forwards.”
While a deal with the Gunners is close, he won’t be joining any time soon.
Arsenal requested that the 25-year-old move to the Emirates this month but La Real rebuffed the Gunners’ proposal and Zubimendi will remain in La Liga until the end of the season.
Zubimendi was targeted by Liverpool last summer but opted to remain at the La Liga club instead of moving to Anfield.
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Liverpool subsequently pulled their interest in acquiring Zubimendi, giving Arsenal the opportunity to strike.
One man who knows exactly what Zubimendi has to offer is Xabi Alonso.
The Liverpool legend coached the midfielder during his time as coach with Real Betis‘ B team and waxed lyrical about him in an interview with The Guardian.
He said: “Martín’s a player all coaches would want.
“He’s generous, he always thinks more about his teammates than himself.
“He has that ability to generate play, to make those around him better, always offering solutions; to improve the move.
“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.”
