Arsenal's most confrontational player surprised everybody but himself

Arsenal's 4-0 win over Atlético Madrid gave fans a lot of entertainment. A game in which no one expected four goals, Arsenal came out victorious and with a clean sheet, announcing them to the rest of Europe as genuine contenders to win it all.

The way Arsenal played in that entire match was fun to watch. They broke down one of the best defensive teams in Europe many times, and they kept going at it until there was no time left.

Victor Gyökeres finally scored a brace, and obviously, all the headlines would be taken by the goal scorers who did a wonderful job.

However, there is one player that no one is really talking about. One player who just made it tick. One player who, despite his position on the pitch, was everywhere, doing a bit of everything and doing it elegantly.

Martin Zubimendi was really good against Atlético Madrid

Zubimendi was just everywhere. He was there in the defensive third to calm things down with his passing and controlling abilities. He was there to go forward and make progressive passes - something he did nine times during the game - and he was also there to do the dirty work.

Zubimendi won a lot of duels against Atlético - a fierce, physical team - while being one of the smallest players on the pitch. He is not known for his physicality, but the way he used it against Atlético Madrid was really fun to watch.

Zubimendi finished the game with 56 touches, one tackle, two interceptions, three clearances, three key passes, five passes into the penalty area, five shot creating actions, one successful take on, and plenty of heart, soul and character.

Those statistics are not exactly normal - at least, not against a team like Atlético Madrid, who are very aggressive defenders. Zubimendi really had one of his best games of the season in Arsenal's statement win in Europe, and showed that he really was the missing piece in the Gunners' midfield last season.

That is something to think about. How much further could Arsenal have gone if Zubimendi was playing for them last season. In the league, it may have been too late. But, for the Champions League, Arsenal were in touching distance of reaching the final.

They ended up losing to the eventual winners, either way, so it does not make it too bad. However, with Zubimendi and Gyökeres in the team, they might genuinely win it all.