Matarazzo leans on Real Sociedad depth as 24 players used early | OneFootball

Pellegrino Matarazzo is already tapping into Real Sociedad’s depth, using 24 players to share the load in a four-competition season. Real are joint-top with Racing Santander for players used, and have also played one extra match.

According to Diario Vasco, only Pablo Marín and Álvaro Odriozola have yet to feature, both injured. Twenty-two first-team players have appeared, with Sanse duo Luken Beitia and Álex Marchal also involved. Youngsters Alex Lebarbier, Gorka Carrera, Mikel Goti and Ibai Aguirre have been called up without minutes.

At Elche on Monday he introduced Unai Marrero, Mamadou Sarr, Héctor Fort and Jon Pacheco for their first minutes, and they helped secure the win. Marrero saved late to clinch it.

Matarazzo has rotated the goalkeepers rather than naming a clear number one. Remiro started the first four matches, Marrero the fifth, and selection will be made game by game. Outfield, Sergio Gómez has 432 of 450 minutes, and both full-backs have started all five.

Integration has been gradual after a disrupted pre-season, with late World Cup returns and injuries. Guedes debuted in match two after a personal procedure, Oyarzabal’s minutes are being managed, and two signings arrived in the last week.

Keeping players fresh already meant notable omissions at Elche, with Remiro, Turrientes, Kubo, Óskarsson and Barrenetxea unused. Jon Martín lasted under three minutes, and Gorrotxategi was on the bench.

The pool should widen further, especially from Sanse. Odriozola, not registered for the Europa League, will take longer to return, so Pablo Marín looks the next senior to feature, with Carrera, Lebarbier and Aguirre close behind.

Source: Diario Vasco

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