Zubieta’s endless line of midfield conductors keeps Real Sociedad ticking | OneFootball

Zubieta’s production line of midfield conductors shows no sign of slowing, as Real Sociedad controlled San Mamés in the Copa del Rey semi-final first leg.

Beñat Turrientes, who debuted on 26 September 2021 against Elche, delivered a masterclass, while Jon Gorrotxategi, first seen on one November 2023 at Buñol in the cup, set the tempo against Athletic. As reported by as.com, the academy’s pivot factory remains in full flow.

It stretches back to Xabi Alonso, who debuted on one December 1999 versus Logroñés before a 16 million euro sale to Liverpool in August 2004. Asier Illarramendi debuted on 23 January 2011 against Villarreal and left for Real Madrid in July 2013 for 32.1 million euros, then a club record for a Spanish player.

Martin Zubimendi took up the baton, debuting on 28 April 2019 against Getafe and joining Arsenal last summer after his 60 million euro clause was met. Igor Zubeldia, who first played as a pivot on 13 May 2016 in Valencia, and Ander Guevara have kept that Zubieta-made style alive, joined by Urko González de Zárate, thriving at Espanyol, Rubén Pardo, Markel Bergara and Gorka Elustondo.

The latest to emerge is Ibai Aguirre, 19, promoted from the third team to become a Sanse regular under Jon Ansotegi, and included in first-team squads by Pellegrino Matarazzo. The American coach often watches Real B at home in Segunda División, and within the club the sense is that another young holding midfielder will always be ready to step up.

Source: as.com