Oier Zarraga’s step forward

Oier Zarraga has made a leap in quality this season at Athletic. In performance and in minutes. The midfielder from Getxo has found a place in Valverde’s plans and has enjoyed and scored quality chances. And the public of San Mamés is starting to recognize a player they have overlooked and put in the squad and demand his presence in the starting eleven even more.

The truth is that he follows when he plays. He stands out and goes unnoticed in a midfield where his qualities match the coach’s proposal. Zarraga, not for nothing, was among the highlights of a summer in which he fiercely contested a title that, more or less, was against him. Of the 24 official matches played by Athletic, the Biscayan midfielder participated in 17, of which he only started four. And I say, because I think he deserves more chances. Without walking further, the other day in Balaídos.

Last season was clear to me. If he’s not going to have a leading role in the form of minutes, a move has to be an obvious option. Ander Herrera’s failure in recent games has made him lose popularity, but no one doubts his presence in the team, or even that he should renew his contract. Because he is one of those who ended his relationship with the Ibaigane club on June 30 and let’s see if we worry about some names, partially correct, and a boy from the quarry will not be renewed.

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Zarraga made his debut in 2020 against Levante in San Mamés, an appointment in which Athletic won 2-0 with goals from Berenguer and Iñaki Williams. The midfielder, who joined Lezama from Romo in 2009 as a juvenile, switched to green in the 70th minute to replace Unai López. Since the day Gaizka Garitano gave him an alternative to the first team, Zarraga has added 59 official matches and scored two goals.

Surprisingly, he scored the first against Levante in San Mamés from the penalty spot in the 89th minute. The second goal was scored this season in the cup duel against Eldense. He signed one of six made by Valverde’s team across the Valencian Community.

Zarraga appeared in the media that day and defended his values: “I’m physically fit and the minutes I have I have to make it difficult for the coach. In the team there is a lot of competition and level”, he highlighted.

Regarding his renewal, he said: “Whether the contract ends or not, I have to do it well, do what the coach asks me to do, and have confidence.” The man from Getxo understood that there would be an understanding between the club and its representatives. He judged the matter with “no problem, I’m calm and we’ll see what happens.”

Those who know Zarraga tell me about an educated boy, a little shy and with good human and football qualities. And he’s from my hometown too, and that’s always a positive. Now, seriously, I remember the report that Athletic made on him and Iñigo Vicente, which announced, among other things, that they played the impossible game in old San Mamés of a hundred children against Joseba Etxeberria. Is it impossible for him to succeed at Athletic? It will not be a matter of another Thursday.