Liverpool failed to sign 'second best player in the world' who has 'tranquillity and great judgement'

Spain boss Luis de la Fuente says that Liverpool summer transfer target Martin Zubimendi is the second best player in the world in his position.

The Reds were unable to prise Zubimendi to Anfield in the previous transfer window. After taking over as head coach, Arne Slot believed that the midfielder could add more control and ball-playing prowess to his engine room.

Liverpool were willing to meet Zubimendi’s £52 million release clause installed in his San Sebastian contract. But the 25-year-old - who helped Spain to Euro 2024 glory - decided to remain at his boyhood club.

At the Euros, Zubimendi was behind Rodri in the La Roja pecking order but memorably replaced the Manchester City man at half-time in the 2-1 win over England in the final. Now Zubimendi has stepped into Rodri’s void after he suffered a serious knee injury.

Spain defeated Denmark 1-0 last Saturday before facing Serbia in their second Nations League fixture of the international break tonight. And Fuente heaped praise on Zubimendi seamlessly slotting in for Rodri. He said: “Well, simply, we know he's a footballer who is a safe bet, always plays with a lot of calmness and tranquillity, always with great judgment.

“I think especially that it was in the second half when we were all playing better, and I don't know if he was better because the whole team was better, or the whole team was better because he was better. In short, I insist, he's always a safe bet, gives you everything you ask for, and he has fantastic talent.

“He doesn't score many goals, but with us, he seems to be starting to get going, so we celebrate that and hopefully this continues. He's a great player. I've already said that for me, you know, that he's one of the best, the second best in the world along with Rodrigo.”

Liverpool have coped without signing Zubimendi in the early stages of the season, however. Ryan Gravenberch has been deployed in the holding-midfield role and thrived, with the Reds topping the Premier League after seven games so far. Arne Slot’s side return to action when they face Chelsea at Anfield on Sunday.