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Former Liverpool midfielder Xabi Alonso once heaped praise on Martin Zubimendi, who's been heavily linked with a move to Anfield this summer. Alonso managed the Spaniard when he was in charge of Real Sociedad B between 2019 and 2022.
As per The Athletic journalist David Ornstein, the Merseysiders are confident that Zubimendi will accept a potential move to Anfield this summer. If personal terms could be agreed on, they would be willing to pay his €60 million release clause.
Amidst these links, former Liverpool midfielder Xavi Alonso's comments on Zubimendi have resurfaced. The current Bayer Leverkusen manager told The Guardian back in 2022 (via TBR Football):
“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 the ability to organise the axis. I loved working with him.”
Zubimendi made 25 appearances under Alonso and scored three goals for Real Sociedad B. The Spaniard has made 188 senior appearances for the Spanish side, having graduated from their academy.
He also played a key role in Spain's UEFA Euro 2024 triumph. After Rodri's injury, Zubimendi came on in the second half of the final against England and helped La Roja win 2-1.
Arne Slot on Liverpool's pre-season tour of the United States
The Reds had a successful pre-season tour of the US under new manager Arne Slot. They won all three games on the tour and remain the Premier League's only 'Big Six' team to have a perfect record in pre-season. Liverpool beat Real Betis 1-0, Arsenal 2-1 and Manchester United 3-0.
After their final game against the Red Devils, Slot shared his thoughts on the tour and said (via Liverpoolfc.com):
"Very positive, I think. Of course the results, that's where everybody is looking at. But players stayed fit and they are able to perform in the way we want, so [a] high-intensity game.
"We saw some great goals during this tour, some great build-up situations and I see them working really, really hard not to concede. Like I said, today I think we gave away too many chances, United deserved more than a 3-0 loss. But it's also our quality that we do score our own chances."
Liverpool will next host Sevilla at Anfield in another friendly on Sunday, August 11. They will then start their 2024-25 Premier League campaign at Portman Road against newly promoted side Ipswich Town on August 17.
