The Revolution of the Sides and the Legacy of Óscar De Marcos

The recent withdrawal of Oscar de Marcos has left a significant void on the right side of the Athletic Club. This outstanding player, who occupied a fundamental place in the team, was the tenth lion with the most minutes last season, even though it was his farewell year. Now, the Bilbao team faces the need to find a replacement that fits its legacy and the club's identity.

The club's management has taken action on the matter, disbursing 12 million euros to sign Areso from Osasuna. This addition joins players like Gorosabel and Lekuealthough competition in the position has been more intense than expected. Despite the depth of the squad, Hugo Rinconanother possible candidate, would not be able to settle and was loaned to Girona.

The Challenge of the Right Back in Athletic

The right side of the Zurigorri defense has been the most fluctuating of the team at this start of the season, even without injuries to justify these changes. Over the last ten games, the lions have used several players, with a noticeable drop in consistency in this position.

• Gorosabel He has been a starter on 4 occasions.
• Areso and Lekue They have started as starters in 3 games.

These statistics reveal that the shadow of Oscar de Marcos He still weighs on the roster, and the team continues to look for the player who can take on his legacy.

Tactical Flexibility: Valverde's Hand

The coach Ernesto Valverde has decided to use a flexible tactical approach, moving the full-backs according to each game. This strategy has allowed Lekue be lined up as a starter in the most recent matches against Levant and real Madrid.

“Lekue has been a defensive specialist, and his assignment against Vinicius was fundamental for the approach of the match,” Valverde mentioned after the match.

Last season, Lekue was key in containing figures such as Raphinha and Anthony from the left profile of the defense. However, during the recent confrontation with Real Madrid, the coach decided to bet on Areso after the break, when the game required greater depth.

The Impact of Competition

Competition at right-back has seen a drop in participation from Areso, who has not started in the last five league games. Even so, with 968 minutes played, he is the winger with the most time on the field among his teammates, surpassing the sum of Gorosabel and Lekue.

This panorama becomes even more complicated with the next match against Atlético de Madrida team that showed interest in Areso during the summer. Given this situation, Valverde will have to carefully evaluate his tactical options.

Future Perspectives: The Legacy Continues

As Athletic navigates this transition, the figure of Oscar de Marcos is still very present. He has not only left a void on the field, but also a legacy that current players must honor. The search for a new leader will be vital to maintain the team's competitiveness in La Liga and European competitions.

The fans are eagerly waiting to see how the new signings and players on the squad adapt to the challenges that this season presents. With balls at stake, high expectations and a legacy to defend, Athletic's future promises to be exciting.

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Your Opinions Matter

The situation of Athletic Bilbao this season is generating great interest and debate. What do you think about the choice of full-backs and the direction the team is taking? We invite you to comment on your perspective and share this article with other sports fans.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

• What impact did Óscar de Marcos's retirement have on the team?
  His departure has created a significant void at right back and has forced the club to look for new talent in that position.
• Who are the main candidates to occupy the right back?
  The main players in rotation are Areso, Gorosabel and Lekue, who are fighting for the position.
• What is the tactic that Valverde is using for the right back?
  Valverde has shown tactical flexibility, lining up different players depending on each rival.
• What are the minutes played by each side this year?
  Areso leads with 968 minutes, followed by Gorosabel (587) and Lekue (365).
• How does competition on the sides affect team performance?
  Competition for position can cause players to give their best on the field, but it can also create uncertainty.
• What is expected in the next match against Atlético de Madrid?
  The expectation is focused on how Valverde will line up his defense against a highly demanding opponent.
• What influence does the fans have on Athletic's performance?
  The fans have always been a fundamental pillar in the team's motivation, especially in San Mamés.
• What should Athletic do to be more competitive?
  The key lies in finding the right balance between the experience of players like Areso and young talents.
• What lessons can be learned from the legacy of Óscar de Marcos?
  His work ethic and dedication to the club are aspects that must be replicated by new players.
• How has the current situation affected the fans' expectations?
  The fans expect a quick and effective adaptation to this change, maintaining competitiveness in all competitions.

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