Monreal passes his audition with assured derby display | OneFootball

Iker Monreal stepped in and impressed for Athletic in the Copa semi-final first leg against Real Sociedad, covering a shortage at centre-back. According to AS, the 20-year-old from the reserve side answered the call with Vivian and Egiluz injured and Paredes and Yeray suspended.

He had already delivered a tidy debut in the quarter-final at Mestalla against Valencia. In the derby he lined up with Laporte to his left and handled an international like Oyarzabal with pace and conviction.

The performance strengthens his case with Ernesto Valverde, who has so far looked to him as the preferred option from Bilbao Athletic ahead of De Luis, Duñabeitia and Izagirre.

Attention turns to the league at Real Oviedo on Sunday, with Paredes back and Vivian possibly fit in time. Monreal may need to wait for another chance, but he has shown he can be trusted.

In Valencia he said he sees himself as highly focused and clear-minded, and he followed Laporte’s instructions closely. At San Mamés the senior defender again offered last-minute guidance in the tunnel to align their approach.

Source: AS