Edin Terzic faces decisive calls as Athletic trim squad before LaLiga kick-off | OneFootball

Edin Terzic has called a four-day pause at Lezama as Athletic enter the final pre-season stretch, with two and a half weeks until LaLiga begins at San Mamés. According to El Correo, the break is for hard decisions.

Early pruning is done, with Unai Gómez to Udinese, Mikel Vesga to Almería and Izeta to Cádiz. Now the micro-surgery starts, defining the squad’s spine and who stays or goes.

In goal, Julen Agirrezabala has not featured in any friendlies, his exit is unconfirmed but appears likely. Unai Simón leads, with Álex Padilla and youngster Mikel Santos as support.

At right-back, two must be kept from Andoni Gorosabel, Jesús Areso and Hugo Rincón. Terzic favours attacking full-backs, so Areso, signed for 12 million, and Rincón fit the brief.

Aymeric Laporte is the defensive constant, his partner remains undecided. Dani Vivián’s hierarchy is in question, with Aitor Paredes, Yeray Álvarez and Monreal pushing for minutes.

Midfield is overloaded with eight options. Last season’s pivot of Mikel Jauregizar and Ruiz de Galarreta now faces competition from a fully fit Beñat Prados, the returning Gerenabarrena and the emerging Selton.

In the No 10 role, Oihan Sancet’s status meets Peio Canales’s impressive summer. Up front, Nico Serrano’s scant minutes hint at a move, while Álvaro Djaló’s bright start has cooled.

Even so, finishing has stood out, 24 goals in six games including 0-11 at Leioa. The sample demands caution, yet the attacking rhythm looks encouraging.

Source: El Correo

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