Monreal, the patient centre-back | OneFootball

Iker Monreal, 20, delivered a composed Athletic debut in the Copa del Rey quarter-final at Mestalla, starting in the win over Valencia to seal a semi-final place. Iñaki Williams marked the moment by handing him the captain's armband.

According to AS, he became the sixth youngster promoted by Ernesto Valverde this season, after Izeta, Rego, Ibon Sánchez, Selton and Hierro. The centre-back had sat through 10 prior call-ups without playing, then earned his chance with Vivian injured, Paredes suspended, and Yeray and Egiluz also out.

Across 98 minutes he lined up on the right alongside Laporte, back after two months out with a biceps femoris issue, then with Yuri Berchiche. Against Sadiq and Hugo Duro he recorded 11 defensive actions, eight clearances and five recoveries, won all his tackles and five of seven aerials, and completed 34 of 46 passes without being dribbled past.

He described himself as a very focused player with clear ideas, pleased that the manager’s demands were met on a winning night, and expressed satisfaction with his debut.

Pamplona-born, Monreal belongs to Bilbao Athletic but has worked with the first team in recent months alongside midfielder Selton Sánchez.

Athletic signed him at 18 from Ardoi of Zizur Mayor in May 2024, when they were in Tercera Federación, on a two-year deal extendable by a further two under the club’s staggered model, before placing him with Basconia.

Source: AS