Real Sociedad Midfielders 2024/25
Real Sociedad midfielders crew boasts a range of dynamic players who contribute both defensively and offensively. The roster is a blend of youthful, talented, as well as skilled players drawn locally as well as internationally. Let’s take a deep dive into the club’s current midfield squad in the 2024/25 season.
1. Mikel Merino
A product of the Spanish footballing system, Mikel Merino is one of the standout midfielders for Real Sociedad in the 2024/25 campaign. Born in Pamplona, Spain, Merino began his career at Osasuna, where he quickly made a name for himself as a promising young talent. His performances caught the eye of Borussia Dortmund, and he made the move to Germany in 2016. However, his time at Dortmund was relatively brief before he joined Real Sociedad midfielders lineup in 2018 for a reported fee of €12 million. Since then, Merino has become a pivotal figure in the team, contributing not only with his technical skill but also with his leadership and work rate.
Merino is a deep-lying midfielder known for his exceptional passing range, vision, and ability to dictate the tempo of a match. His ability to break up opposition attacks and provide crucial passes from deep has made him an indispensable asset for La Real. In addition to his passing, he is also capable of making surging runs into the opposition’s half, offering a goal-scoring threat when necessary. His versatility allows him to play both as a defensive midfielder or a more advanced playmaker, and his intelligence on the ball is complemented by a solid defensive presence.
Internationally, Merino has represented Spain at various youth levels and earned his first senior cap in 2018. He is considered one of Spain’s most promising midfielders and continues to grow in stature with each passing season. Merino’s consistency and technical quality make him one of the most important figures in the Real Sociedad midfield, and his performances are key to the club’s aspirations both domestically and in European competitions.
2. David Silva
A legendary figure in Spanish football, David Silva has been a vital part of Real Sociedad’s midfield since joining the club in 2020. Silva’s journey through professional football has seen him achieve immense success, most notably with Manchester City, where he spent a decade carving out a reputation as one of the finest playmakers in the world. Born in Arguineguín, Spain, Silva started his career at the youth ranks of UD Las Palmas before making the move to Valencia, where he earned his first major breakthrough. His performances at Valencia attracted attention from Manchester City, and in 2010, he completed a transfer to the Premier League club for a reported fee of £24 million. Silva’s time at City was nothing short of legendary, with four Premier League titles, two FA Cups, and an array of other honors marking his illustrious career.
Silva made the move to Real Sociedad midfielders squad after leaving Manchester City in 2020, and while his career in Spain has seen him slow down due to age, he remains a magician on the ball. A maestro in midfield, Silva is known for his incredible dribbling, vision, and precision passing. His ability to unlock defenses with his creativity and pinpoint passes makes him a unique talent, and even though his legs may not be as quick as they once were, his footballing intelligence ensures that he remains at the top of his game. Silva’s influence on games goes beyond numbers; his ability to control the rhythm of play and provide assists is invaluable to Real Sociedad.
Although Silva no longer plays for the Spanish national team, his wealth of experience and leadership continue to be an essential part of Real Sociedad’s midfield. His vision and technical ability are a key reason why La Real continues to perform well in La Liga and other competitions, and at 39 years old, Silva remains one of the most revered players in Spanish football.
3. Martin Zubimendi
One of the brightest talents in Spain, Martin Zubimendi has become an essential figure in Real Sociedad’s midfield. Born in San Sebastián, Zubimendi is a product of the club’s youth academy, and his rise through the ranks has been nothing short of remarkable. Known for his work ethic, passing ability, and tactical intelligence, Zubimendi has developed into one of La Liga’s top defensive midfielders. His importance to the team cannot be overstated, as he is the type of player who allows the attacking talents to flourish while also providing protection to the defense.
Zubimendi’s playing style revolves around his excellent positional awareness and calmness on the ball. A natural ball-winner, he excels in breaking up opposition attacks and ensuring possession is retained for Real Sociedad. His passing range is also a key asset, with the ability to play simple passes as well as more complex, long-range deliveries. Zubimendi’s development has not gone unnoticed, and he has been consistently linked with moves to larger clubs across Europe, although he has so far remained loyal to Real Sociedad midfielders crew.
He earned his first senior cap for Spain in 2022 and has since been seen as a future regular in the national team setup. His time at Real Sociedad has seen him play a central role in the club’s success, and his performances in both La Liga and European competitions will be critical as the team aims to continue its upward trajectory in the coming years.
4. Brais Méndez
Brais Méndez is another key player in Real Sociedad’s midfield and has become a fixture for the club since joining from Celta Vigo in 2022. Hailing from Vigo, Spain, Méndez began his professional career at Celta Vigo, where his performances as an attacking midfielder earned him a move to La Real for a reported €14 million. Méndez’s arrival at Real Sociedad midfielders lineup was seen as a major coup for the club, as he brought with him a wealth of experience and an innate ability to contribute both defensively and in attack.
Méndez is known for his vision, dribbling, and creativity in the final third. As an attacking midfielder, he can operate centrally or out wide, providing his teammates with opportunities to score through key passes or clever assists. His intelligence off the ball is matched by his ability to score goals, and he frequently makes late runs into the box. Méndez’s versatility means that he can adapt to various tactical setups, and his performances in both domestic and European competitions have been impressive.
Internationally, Méndez has represented Spain at various youth levels, and he earned his first senior cap in 2021. His presence in the national team adds to his reputation as one of Spain’s top emerging talents. At Real Sociedad, Méndez’s contributions have been vital in helping the club maintain its competitive standing in La Liga, and his growth will be pivotal in the club’s ambitions for the future.
5. Andoni Gorosabel
Although Andoni Gorosabel is primarily known for his role as a right-back, he has often been utilized in a more advanced midfield position when needed. A product of Real Sociedad’s youth academy, Gorosabel is a versatile player who brings energy and defensive stability wherever he plays. Known for his pace and work rate, Gorosabel has the ability to get up and down the pitch with ease, and his technical abilities ensure that he can contribute to both the defensive and attacking phases of play.
Gorosabel has been a steady presence for Real Sociedad players squad since his debut and has established himself as a reliable option on the right flank. His tactical understanding allows him to slot into midfield when required, particularly in situations where the team needs to solidify its defensive setup. While not a traditional central midfielder, his adaptability has proven to be invaluable for the squad.
Real Sociedad’s midfield in the 2024/25 season is a blend of experience and youthful promise. Players like Mikel Merino, David Silva, and Martin Zubimendi provide the technical skill, tactical awareness, and leadership that have become synonymous with La Real’s playing style. Meanwhile, Brais Méndez offers creativity and flair in attack, while Andoni Gorosabel’s versatility ensures that the team can adapt in various tactical situations. As the season progresses, these midfielders will continue to play a crucial role in the club’s success, both in La Liga and European competitions. Real Sociedad’s midfield is a well-rounded unit that combines skill, experience, and determination, and their performances will be key to the team’s aspirations in the coming years.