Marchal y Aguirre edge into Real Sociedad plans for Liga opener | OneFootball

Álex Marchal and Ibai Aguirre have edged into Real Sociedad’s thinking for the Liga opener after a productive pre-season under Pellegrino Matarazzo.

According to AS, the American coach had tracked both with Sanse last season. They were part of a 12-strong academy group that started pre-season in July, including Aitor Fraga, Luken Beitia, Jon Balda, Kazunari Kita, Mikel Rodríguez, Tomy Carbonell, Alex Lebarbier, Dani Díaz, Job Ochieng and Gorka Carrera.

From that cohort, Mikel Rodríguez has been sold to Deportivo Alavés with a buy-back option, while Carbonell, Balda, Kita and Dani Díaz have returned to the B team.

Squad needs in midfield and attack have seen Matarazzo lean on Aguirre and Marchal in recent friendlies. Jon Gorrotxategi remains in recovery from a pubis injury and is out of the Liga debut, and Gonçalo Guedes has yet to feature this summer.

Aguirre has impressed as a defensive pivot and Marchal on the flank, while striker Gorka Carrera has also strengthened his case.

With the opener fast approaching, their displays could earn them places in the official squad. The absences and limited rhythm of some likely starters give Aguirre and Marchal genuine chances of minutes early in the competition.

Source: AS

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