Spanish duo Martin Zubimendi and Cristhian Mosquera were involved in Spain’s comfortable 3-0 international friendly victory against Serbia on Friday evening.
La Roja have already booked their place in the 2026 FIFA World Cup, and both players are on course to represent the reigning European champions at the showpiece event.
Zubimendi and Mosquera have been key to Arsenal’s Premier League title challenge this season, and their performances for the Gunners have increased their prospects of representing Spain at the World Cup.
Neither of them were named in the starting line-up for the thumping victory, but they got minutes to show manager Luis de la Fuente how they can contribute to the team.
Real Sociedad striker Mikel Oyarzabal opened the scoring inside the opening 16 minutes before adding to his tally on the stroke of half-time.
Osasuna forward Victor Munoz then added Spain’s third in the 73rd minute to wrap up a comprehensive victory for La Roja in their first International friendly of the month.
Spain were initially scheduled to face Argentina in Finalissima 2026 at the Lusail Stadium in Qatar.
La Roja secured their spot by winning the 2024 European Championship in Germany, nicking a 2-1 victory over England to claim the title for the fourth time in Berlin.
Meanwhile, Argentina retained their Copa America crown in the United States in 2024, claiming a record 16th title with an extra-time victory over Colombia in the final in Florida.
Spain and Argentina were scheduled to lock horns in the intercontinental blockbuster, but the event was cancelled due to the ongoing political situation in the Middle East.
Both nations will now turn their attention to a series of international friendly fixtures as they continue their preparation for the upcoming World Cup in the United States, Canada, and Mexico.
Spain have wasted no time getting back to winning ways, and Arsenal duo Zubimendi and Mosquera played a part in their convincing victory.
How both players performed in the Serbia victory
Unfortunately for David Raya, the Arsenal goalkeeper didn’t get a chance to stake his claim for a starting berth, with De la Fuente making it clear that Athletic Bilbao’s Unai Simon will remain number one.
However, that takes nothing away from Raya, who has been a transformative signing for Arsenal and a key part of their Premier League title challenge.
Raya is considered the best goalkeeper in the Premier League and one of the finest on the continent.
However, he was forced to watch his Arsenal teammates Zubimendi and Mosquera get minutes against Serbia. Zubimendi replaced Manchester City’s Rodri in the 77th minute.
Despite being on the pitch for just 13 minutes, the 27-year-old had 14 touches and didn’t misplace a single pass. He completed 13 passes and one successful long ball.
Zubimendi was instrumental in helping Spain see out the win, while Mosquera came on later in the game to fortify the heart of the backline.
The 21-year-old came on for Barcelona’s Pau Cubarsi in the 83rd minute, although he didn’t have much to do in defence.
Mosquera made one interception, one recovery, and won the only aerial duel he contested.
The Spanish defender has proven to be a valuable addition to Mikel Arteta’s Arsenal squad since joining from Valencia last summer.
He has featured in 25 games across all competitions this season, playing 14 times in the Premier League, although he has only made the starting line-up six times.
Despite his limited playing time, Mosquera has impressed when given the chance, averaging 1.6 tackles, 1.6 recoveries, and 2.3 clearances per 90 minutes.
The talented centre-back has also won a staggering 68% of his ground duels this season, making him one of the most effective 1v1 defenders in the Premier League.
