Which Athletic player do you associate with the number 6?

Mikel Vesga is number six for Athletic. The Vitorian midfielder is celebrating his sixth season in that number. Almost since he arrived in the first team after his two loans to Sporting Gijón and Leganés, respectively.

After Mikel San José’s contract was not renewed by the Bilbao club, Vesga inherited the number 6, which he keeps today. From Mikel to Mikel, and I shoot because it’s my turn. The day he made his debut at El Molinón, Valverde brought him for San José. Wondering.

Vesga wore three other numbers at Athletic: 12, 21 and 16. The man from Gasteiz disappeared from Txingurri’s plans. The emergence of Prados and Jauregizar took away his popularity, at least for the moment, so he had to wait for his moment to be key. As happened, for example, in the Cup final against Mallorca. Because of his entry in the second half and the change of atmosphere he gave to the team and because later he was one of the scorers in the decisive round. And its launch comes with a slip. One save, per rule. But hey, welcome.

Let’s get down to business, as the great Joaquín Caparrós would say before an interview. Which Athletic player do you associate with the number 6? It’s pretty clear to me: Josu Urrutia. This is one of my weaknesses in football, perhaps because I played in a position similar to that of Lekeitio, and I liked it, which saved the distance, because one who became the president of the Athletic Club understood football.

A midfielder to distribute. Balls and kicks. An indispensable player so that other teammates can shine. To those who say they do dark work.

Another red and white 6 who shines in that position and possesses those qualities is the great Miguel de Andrés. The midfielder of the Leagues and the Cup won by Athletic against Barcelona. Javier Clemente’s trusted man in that midfield. It’s a shame the injury crossed Navarrese’s path as he was called to become more famous in football.

More proper names

Patxi Rípodas or Mikel San José himself are other players who have worn the number 6 in Athletic history. David Billabona also wore it for one season. In the same number he won the gold medal in Spain at the Barcelona Olympic Games.

Other lions who have worn this number at Athletic are Óscar Vales, Endika Bordas, Josu Sarriegi, Xabi Etxeita or Joseba Del Olmo, although the latter has a more offensive profile but, like Toquero with 2 or Bermejo with On 3, he has to wear a number more suitable for a midfielder than a forward.

Today against Ludogorets could be a good game for Mikel Vesga to enter the midfield. With the classification of the rojiblancos on the right track, although with the goal now of trying to be in the top eight and avoid the play off of the 1/16 finals, Valverde can and should allow himself to rotate his legs for a season that will hopefully be demanding matches.

It is true that it is a week of two games (the lions will have a league match on Sunday in Valladolid) and there will be a new break for the matches of the national team, but it is necessary that the players of Vesga’s profile be active in a few minutes so they can be counted on in case of injury and/or a teammate’s consent.

The song says “I can’t live without you, Mikel Vesga.” The truth is that Valverde lives without him, even as a starter. Let’s see if the movie changes. It won’t be something from another Thursday.