Ibai Aguirre prolongs Zubieta’s line of homegrown holding midfielders | OneFootball

Zubieta keeps producing for Real Sociedad in a key role, with Ibai Aguirre the latest holding midfielder to emerge. The club have increasingly filled this position with academy graduates, limiting the need to enter the market.

The 19-year-old from Mutriku began last season with the C team, then finished as a Sanse regular in Segunda División. As reported by AS, Pellegrino Matarazzo followed him closely in the reserves and called him up several times.

Aguirre made his league debut on 4 April against Levante at Anoeta and is now in pre-season with the seniors.

He follows a distinguished line of Zubieta pivotes, including Periko Alonso, Mikel Aranburu, Xabi Alonso, Markel Bergara, Gorka Elustondo, Jon Gaztañaga, Rubén Pardo, Ander Guevara, Igor Zubeldia, Asier Illarramendi and Martin Zubimendi.

Beñat Turrientes and Jon Gorrotxategi currently anchor midfield, with Aguirre renewed on 28 May until 2031 and pressing his case. Real Sociedad continue to back the academy for a season spanning four competitions. Matarazzo will assess the youngsters in the coming weeks before finalising the squad.

Source: AS