Five academy hopefuls aim to earn Athletic places | OneFootball

With no signings beyond returning loanees, Terzic has turned to Lezama and kept five B-teamers with the seniors. As reported by as.com, the long squad and tests against Marseille and Atalanta may limit minutes, though the group will keep pushing.

Goalkeeper Mikel Santos is in line to stay as third choice. Called up in Europe under Valverde, he has played five of the six pre-season games and conceded the only two goals so far, against Eibar in Zamudio.

Centre-back Monreal debuted last term amid defensive issues, featuring in two Copa ties against Valencia and Real Sociedad. Four strong options are ahead of him, with Egiluz injured, yet left-footed centre-halves are valued and he looks close to ready.

Johaneko, 22 and from Baiona, has impressed with pace in the friendlies. He fits Terzic’s use of a long wing-back in a back three and brings power, though competition is fierce and an opening could hinge on a Gorosabel exit.

Selton Sánchez, a favourite of Lezama’s hierarchy, shone in the Youth League two seasons ago and debuted in last year’s Champions League against Newcastle. He has 13 senior appearances but ended last term without minutes, so game time is key.

Elijah Gift is yet to debut but made two squads, against Sporting de Portugal in the Champions League and at the end of last LaLiga at Real Madrid. He arrived from Liverpool with buzz, like goalkeeper Darlington from United, and as a winger or striker could offer something different to Guruzeta.

Source: as.com

“Artificial intelligence was used to assist in creating this article based on reporting from the original source quoted.”