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Thierry Henry makes Arsenal and Rodri comparison as Mikel Arteta sent clear message
Apr 02 2026 21:11 · By Isaac Seelochan/Senior Sports Journalist · 19 Reads
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Arsenal icon Thierry Henry has called on Martin Zubimendi's detractors to cast their minds back to the doubts surrounding Rodri when he first made his mark in the Premier League . The midfielder has faced criticism from certain quarters for a string of underwhelming displays in high-profile fixtures for Mikel Arteta's side.
The 27-year-old touched down in north London from Real Sociedad on a five-year contract last summer. The Gunners fended off interest from Real Madrid to secure his signature, paying slightly above his £51million release clause to spread the cost of the transfer fee.
Yet the Spaniard has struggled to convince in an Arsenal shirt, prompting widespread debate over whether the club should seek a summer replacement. Newcastle United's Sandro Tonali has emerged amongst the names touted as a potential alternative.
Nevertheless, former Gunners frontman Henry has leapt to the defence of the Basque midfielder. Speaking to Betway , he urged Zubimendi's critics to recall the scepticism that initially surrounded Manchester City star Rodri following his switch from Atletico Madrid to Pep Guardiola's side in 2019.
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He said: "People like to talk a lot about everything and everyone. First it was Bukayo Saka , then [Martin] Odegaard, then [Viktor] 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.
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"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."
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Zubimendi was compelled to pull out of international duty last weekend after suffering a knee problem while on Spain duty. He featured for 13 minutes during La Roja's friendly encounter with Serbia last Friday, but felt 'discomfort' in his knee before departing the squad to prevent any additional damage.
