“In Spain, he’s compared to Xabi Alonso" - Pundit points the biggest issues with Liverpool target Martin Zubimendi

Former Atletico Madrid player Mario Suarez recently commented on Liverpool target Martin Zubimendi and how he could settle in at Merseyside. He even likened the Real Sociedad midfielder to former Anfield star Xabi Alonso.

Speaking on ESPN's YouTube channel, Suarez said that he's a big fan of the Spaniard as he changed the game in the Euro 2024 final

“Well, this [Zubimendi] is an amazing player. I don’t know if you watched the final of the Euros. He got in because Rodri was injured. He changed the game,” said Suarez

The 25-year-old played a key role in Spain’s victorious Euros 2024 campaign. In the final, he replaced Rodri at half-time to help secure a 2-1 win over England as Spain lifted the trophy for the fourth time in their history.

The former La Liga midfielder said that he sees similarities between former Reds midfielder Xabi Alonso and Martin Zubimendi. Alonso also made the move from Real Sociedad to Merseyside back in 2004 before returning to Spain in 2009 to join Real Madrid.

“In Spain, he’s compared to Xabi Alonso a lot with all the difference and all the respect. I think if he’s 70-80% of what Xabi Alonso gave to Liverpool – he’ll be a great signing," shared Suarez.

Zubimendi is a player in demand with the likes of Arsenal, Bayern Munich, and Barcelona also interested in the midfielder along with Liverpool.

Mario Suarez highlights issue with Martin Zubimendi's potential Liverpool move

The Reds seem to have stolen a march on their rivals in the race for his signature according to The Times journalist Paul Joyce. Mario Suarez, however, pointed out that the Euros 2024 winner's physicality might be a concern in the Premier League.

“I don’t know if physically [he has] what the Premier League needs but he’s a very clever player. He’s not the strongest or fastest, he’s not the type of player we’re used to watching in the Premier League," warned Suarez.

“Let’s see what happens with the release clause but what I can tell you about him is he’s a really good player with a good quality, good long pass, good short pass, tactically he’s very intelligent very clever. Physically, he can improve for sure if he goes there. I think he’ll be a great signing for Liverpool," Suarez continued.

Arne Slot's side are in the hunt for a long-term defensive-minded partner for Alexis Mac Allister. They were unsuccessful in signing Moises Caicedo or Romeo Lavia last summer before completing the transfer of 32-year-old Wataru Endo.