Arne Slot given brutal reminder of Liverpool transfer failure for 'second-best' player in world

Spain boss Luis de la Fuente has been full of praise for Martin Zubimendi , calling him "the second best footballer in the world with Rodri".

The midfielder stepped up in place of the injured Manchester City ace as Spain faced Denmark in Murcia. It was Zubimendi who emerged as Spain's hero, his late volley eluding Kasper Schmeichel to clinch a 1-0 victory over Denmark.

Zubimendi also stepped into the breach during the Euro 2024 final against England when Rodri was sidelined due to injury. Post that triumph, there was intense transfer speculation with Liverpool reportedly close to snapping him up.

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Yet, despite Arne Slot earmarking him as a key summer signing, Zubimendi chose to remain loyal to Real Sociedad. This decision hasn't seemed to affect Liverpool's stride, with the Reds leading the Premier League pack in the season's opening stages.

Still, De la Fuente is convinced that Liverpool missed out on a gem in Zubimendi, stating: "Rodri is the best in the world, irreplaceable, but Martin is the second best. He oozes assuredness from every pore; he doesn't get nervous walking a tightrope with no safety net.

"Martin gives you everything you ask of him and he has fantastic talent. He doesn't score much, but with us he seems to be starting to get going, so we celebrate it and I hope this continues."

Zubimendi recently spoke about his summer of speculation and insisted he had no regrets about snubbing the chance to join Liverpool. "My philosophy is to do what I feel at all times," he said last month. "So far, things have gone well for me. It is true that there was a lot of noise.

"I went through uncomfortable moments. The best thing for me was to stay here and I am happy and at peace. There is a lot of noise because of the press but in the end everything is easier than all that."

He then doubled down on his stance, adding: "Of course I don't regret it, I can't think that after four or five games at the start of the season.

"I made my decision from within, I thought it was the best thing to do, the results don't affect me. I see potential in this team, you just have to watch us train and I'm excited about having a good season."