Captain, stars, promises and a blue and white story | Relevo

L’Athletic Club now has six consecutive victories, including four in LaLigaand goes to Mendizorroza this Sunday with the ambition to continue writing his own legend. An exceptional moment which allowed him to place in fourth position and almost ensure his presence in the round of 16 of the Europa League. It's one of the best series in its history, a fact that arouses enthusiasm among supporters. This success was also achieved thanks to a gradual rejuvenation of the team over the last few seasons and a real sporting reorganization.

In this new Athletic, the presence of Alavés and Álava is significant. It is not only the fact that the region is well represented in the first team, but also that several former technicians of the babazorro club have joined Lezama in recent seasons, bringing new impetus to the establishment. They thus helped build a team led by Ernesto Valverde, who also has his roots in Vitoria. The success in the Copa del Rey, the return to Europe and the almost perfect run so far in the season attest that this strategy is successful.

At the forefront of this evolution is Mikel González (Algorta, 1987), the young Director of Football of the Athletic Club, who joined the club after his time at Alavés, as part of the new management of Jon Uriarte . Initially responsible for a junior position, he was quickly promoted. In just a few months in Bilbao, he has already reached several important milestones: the contract extensions of players such as Nico Williams, Oihan Sancet, Unai Simón and Dani Vivian, as well as around twenty others, the recruitment of Iñigo Ruiz from Galarreta, a personal choice, or even his decisive role in the continuity of Ernesto Valverde last season.

It is true that he was initially viewed with skepticism due to his lack of experience leading such a large-scale project, but in two years in this position he modernized the sports organization and, with the Chingurriput together one of the best teams Bilbao has ever known. A downside, however, remains the performance of Alvaro Djaló, a strong acquisition, at 15 million euros, which has not yet met expectations, although we maintain hope in him, under contract until 2029.

Alongside Mikel González, two former club trainers joined the team in the summer of 2022 and quickly rose through the ranks. Bittor Llopis, currently in charge of Basconia (second team), and Iñigo López, coach of the under-19 team. Other professionals such as Víctor Moreno, Director of Sports Development and Loans, Roberto Robles, Director of Methodology, and Aitor Ugarte, responsible for physical preparation, also work within the club. Many of them crossed paths with Mikel González at Alavés, while he had already arrived at Athletic.

Players from Alavés also came, both for the first team and for training. Notable cases include Andoni Gorosabel and Pablo Martínez, a young defender regular with lower national teams. The transfer of the latter clearly illustrates the change in the youth recruitment policy, more dynamic, making Athletic once again a powerful club in the region. Currently, the club is aiming to recruit youngster Christian Imga and is closely following Maroan Sannadi. The team is also distinguished by another Alavés, Aingeru Olabarrieta, a left winger who has become one of the pearls of Bilbao Athletic, who made his first team debut last season.

Four Alava players in the first team

If the Alava are well represented in the junior team, their presence in the first team is also significant. Captain Óscar de Marcos, originally from Laguardia, trained at Alavés and even made his debut at the top level before Athletic reached an agreement with his former club for 360,000 euros. Today, he is considered a legend among the Reds and Whites with 549 matches played, 16 seasons and three titles to his name. Mikel Vesga is another Álava-born player with a past at Alavés.

In recent years, two other Alaveses footballers have also established themselves within the first team. Unai Simón (Murgia) and Dani Vivian (Vitoria) took on increasing responsibilities and became leading figures of this victorious team, also being European champions under Luis de la Fuente. A very consistent representation which leads them to cross swords today with their past and their roots in a derby which is crucial for both teams. While some aspire to escape the relegation zone, others dream of glory in what promises to be a memorable season.