Valverde’s bet on Thursday at El Sardinero involved a risk, but it turned out to be positive for Athletic’s interests. The red and white team eliminated Cayón, qualified for the next round of the Cup and measured their efforts before tomorrow in Granada.
The coach from Gasteiz, in the same way as it happened a few weeks before in Rubí, showed a completely renewed lineup compared to the one that just played in the Liga. Eleven changes out of eleven possible. The regular starters began to occupy a place on the bench while the theoretical substitutes tried to sort out the team and show the coach that they too could have a place every day.
Some changes were intuited, others surprised everyone and everyone because of the location of the lions in question. Valverde has always named Yuri as one of the possible options to act as a center back in emergency situations. On Thursday, he conducted the experiment at an official competition meeting.
The veteran lion enjoyed a peaceful evening of football. Cayón’s forwards hardly require any extra effort. The native of Zarautza also acted to get out of a compromising situation. In any case, he did not give the feeling of being comfortable in such a position, especially when it comes to having to serve the ball.
Nolaskoain, in the absence of reserves at this time Vivian and Paredes, is with Yuri in the axis of defense. Zumaiarra was at a good level on a night without too many complications. His delivery of the ball is safer than Yuri’s, he is ready and helpful in the cut and shows his danger in the offensive approach.
The defense composition also includes as full-back the two red and white players who were loaned to Mirandés last season. Beñat Prados filled the right wing, but that didn’t seem to be his position. The Navarrese player participates more and better when he plays in the middle. Imanol, on the other hand, took a long time to enter the match. One from Gallarta was accused of inactivity at the party level.
Improvised center field
Valverde also initially chose a unique midfield in Santander. This time, young Unai Gómez acted as squire for veterans Muniain and Raúl García. All three had their moments. The boy gave energy and dynamism to the wide area. The two Navarrese, for their part, showed quality, craftsmanship and know how to be and do, but they did not finish imposing their rhythm against this Second RFEF rival. Both are accused, logically, of a lack of continuity.
The Athletic forward in Santander has the presence of Adu Ares and Berenguer, as expected, on both wings and Villalibre as a striker. The man from Bilbao left several marks before having to retire injured, the Navarrese player is unchanging in his attempt to create dangerous chances and try his luck with shooting and the man from Gernika did the effectiveness in front of the goal his best weapon with two goals, the second unfair penalty, like two days.
Valverde, despite everything, did not clearly see everything because from minute 63 he turned first to Galarreta and Jauregizar, then to Williams and finally to Sancet. Nico’s goal, 0-3, seemed to calm him down.
Source: La Verdad
I am Shawn Partain, a journalist and content creator working for the Today Times Live. I specialize in sports journalism, writing articles that cover major sporting events and news stories. With a passion for storytelling and an eye for detail, I strive to be accurate and insightful in my work.
