Sergio ends Real Sociedad’s left-back debate nine years after Yuri | OneFootball

Sergio Gómez has finally ended Real Sociedad’s nine-year churn at left-back, begun when Yuri joined PSG in 2017 for 13 million, less than half his 30 million clause.

According to Diario Vasco, the role changed hands yearly: Kevin Rodrigues 17/18, Theo Hernández 18/19, Monreal 19/20 and 20/21, Diego Rico 21/22, Aihen 22/23, Tierney 23/24 and Javi López 24/25.

In 23/24 three players were used. Tierney’s loan was hit by two muscle injuries, Aihen then ruptured his cruciate in Balaídos, and Atlético’s Javi Galán arrived in winter as the team chased the Copa semi-finals and faced PSG in the Champions League.

The club then signed Javi López for 6.5 million in summer 2024. Days earlier Sergio had joined from Manchester City for 8.7 million, a versatile Olabe target, converted from winger by Vicent Kompany at Anderlecht.

Imanol used him wide and inside. He deputised at left-back in a 0-0 at Valladolid and a 2-0 win in Girona, but a 0-2 loss to Osasuna ended that trial.

The club saw enough. Backed by Erik Bretos, he started last season at left-back under Sergio Francisco and stayed there with Matarazzo, logging a team-high 681 minutes so far this season.

Marking 100 Real games, he said the switch suits him and he feels increasingly established. Under Matarazzo he has played 31 of 34, with 30 starts and 24 full matches, missing only three due to a virus, post-semi-final management and an ankle sprain from the Copa final. At 26, he still has room to grow.

Source: Diario Vasco

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