‘Every minor detail – execute them’: The striker’s road from injury table to success with Athletic
Whenhe first time the Athletic striker played in the UK, an 18-year-old playing for Athletic Bilbao B against German opponents at the English ground in September 2015, he hit the target. On his next visit he appeared in the country, against Sunderland weeks after, he netted. His third outing, against Manchester City not long later, sure enough, he did it once more. Upon his comeback to the northwest to play against the Red Devils at Leigh’s ground in the 2017 season, he did it once more. A spectacular strike, as well. “Actually,” he remarks, “it ranks among my finest in my career.” Therefore the team did what was necessary: they took him off.
“I was furious,” the forward reveals, and then he starts laughing. “There must be a video somewhere. Our match against United and I was in fine form. They kept me out of the final 45 minutes: I hadn’t yet signed deal, I kept finding the net, there were lots of rumours, you know how it is. I’m unsure regarding Newcastle being interested, but I remember reading about Man United, standard transfer gossip. I have no idea the validity, but had they contacted me, my desire was to remain at the club. I’m fortunate to be here.”
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At the training ground, the city, the early training is set to begin; after it, the quick travel to the airport and another trip to Britain, now to take on the Magpies in the Champions League on the upcoming match. Uttering the name brings a smile to his face. It has become a difficult season for Athletic, partially owing to the requirements of being here. Losing in stoppage time in the derby on Saturday, they have managed just one win of their recent league fixtures and fallen to the Gunners and the German side in Europe. But, take in the big picture, the big nights he has lived and upcoming events, and he feels a calm gratitude within him.
In the three years since he had rejoined the team, the striker has been a final four contender in Europe, denied at the last hurdle a domestic final by the English giants, and has ridden an historic vessel along the Nervión river accompanied by a huge crowd after lifting the trophy, the team’s initial silverware in 40 years. He’s now the club’s leading marksman in the UCL, where they are unique and making their first appearance in ten years. “I never imagined this,” he admits.
Guruzeta thought it challenging enough just to earn a spot and his assessment was correct. As the child of the ex-La Real star Xabi Guruzeta and a season ticket holder at the team he now opposes, the forward is from the Antiguoko academy, the local academy that nurtured the coach, the former star and the tactician. His move to Athletic came at 17 but after making his senior debut in August 2018, he suffered a torn cruciate, being released, a drop in category and a recall before he could truly get a chance, making his comeback to live the best days of his career.
“Entering the youth system doubting you’ll make the top level but each step you advance through you’re persisting and you can see it getting closer. You make it and … you’re sent away.” He played six, nine, five, one, four and 20 minutes in half a dozen appearances between his first game and early 2019. “Then I was sent to the filial [Bilbao Athletic, the Under-23s]. Several appearances with them and I tear my cruciate.
“A severe disappointment but I reflect on it as something positive because it forced me to alter the outlook. The rehabilitation process is challenging, but it aids growth. You cultivate routines previously lacking. It’s not about neglect, but I attended practice and then head home, typical youth behavior. At Lezama, facilities are comprehensive, so utilize it all. Work, precaution. Hit the weights. If your hips aren’t balanced, work on that. Assuming ankle mobility is good, improve it more. All the minor details: do them.
“In the first team you’re going to collide with opponents who have crashed into players repeatedly. Extremely powerful. I look at photos of me before: my physique was slight. Injuries are inevitable. Current photos and the improvement is clear. Injury made me see that. Sessions end, but additional work remains. Teammates are set, really ready; no exceptions.”
Minutes are crucial. The striker moved emotionally in 2020, in his early twenties, dropping into the second division. During his Sabadell spell in the 20-21 campaign, he netted three goals in 40 games. With Amorebieta in the latter part of the season, the scoring picked up. “Players go through it: loans, terminated contracts. If you turn it round, work, believe, and should the time come the requirement appears in your position, a return could happen. Preparation is key. When the opportunity came, an aspiration fulfilled. Lifting the cup, compete continentally, and reach the Champions League … pfff.”
Understandably he remarks savor the moment. Particularly after the previous season which, at times, was about endurance. After being leading scorer with sixteen goals, his output dropped to seven in {15 games more|additional matches|
