Valverde’s bold and determined commitment to midfield, at least at the start of the season, meant that two of the three midfielders Marcelino used most throughout last season lost their place and prominence. Vesga and Dani García have, at least for now, alternated in the pivot position at the back. The man from Gasteiz started with Muniain and Sancet, but then, due to physical problems, he remained on the bench two days ago against Elche and did not even wear shorts on Saturday against Rayo Vallecano.
The biggest victim compared to the previous campaign was, without a doubt, Unai Vencedor. The Bilbao midfielder won a place in the starting eleven at the age of 21. With Valverde, at least so far, he has only participated in two games.
Against Valencia, on the second day of the match, he came on to replace Sancet in the 73rd minute. Muniain left the pitch at the same time to be replaced by Raúl García. The lions then dictated the score by 1-0.
Against Espanyol, match day four, Vencedor entered again through Sancet in the 71st minute of the match. The score then reflects the initial goalless draw. The Parakeets secured all three points thanks to a goal from Braithwaite in the 83rd minute. Rekalde’s men were left without playing against Elche and Rayo.
Zarraga is still playing
Zarraga, another midfielder branded ‘made in Lezama’, has had more participation so far than Vencedor. Getxotarra had minutes against Mallorca (from 57′), Valencia (64′), Elche (63′) and Rayo (79′).
Source: La Verdad
I am Ida Scott, a journalist and content author with a passion for uncovering the truth. I have been writing professionally for Today Times Live since 2020 and specialize in political news. My career began when I was just 17; I had already developed a knack for research and an eye for detail which made me stand out from my peers.
