He was Xabi Alonso's star pupil coming through the youth team at Real Sociedad, now Martin Zubimendi is ready to play in the old master's position on Thursday night at Old Trafford.
He is as articulate on the art of the being a holding midfielder as he is composed on the ball, and even has the same knack for not getting sent off as tonight's opponent Casemiro, who he says was the 'perfect' player for Real Madrid.
And Zubimendi is positive about Real Sociedad's future even after they sold Alexander Isak to Newcastle for £63m, a player he believes will definitely turn out to be worth the money.