CLUB SNAPSHOT: At a Glance
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Club | Athletic Club |
| League | La Liga |
| Manager | Edin Terzić |
| Stadium | San Mamés |
| Nickname | Los Leones |
| Founded | 1898 |
| First-Choice Centre-Backs | Dani Vivian / Aymeric Laporte |
| First-Choice Full-Backs | Jesús Areso / Yuri Berchiche |
| Academy Prospect | Hugo Rincón |
| Notable Departure | Íñigo Lekue (retired) |
The Defining Moment
Athletic Club’s 2026/27 season has been defined by a defensive transition that has been both necessary and uncomfortable. Edin Terzić inherited a back line built for Ernesto Valverde’s pragmatic, mid-block approach and has attempted to reshape it into something more aggressive, more front-footed, and more comfortable defending in advanced areas. The early results have been mixed: nine goals conceded in nine league matches is a respectable return, but the performances have fluctuated between the commanding and the chaotic.
The defining moment of Athletic’s defensive season came not in a victory but in the tactical experimentation that has characterised Terzić’s opening months. The German has oscillated between a back four and a back three, seeking a configuration that maximises the strengths of his personnel while masking their limitations. Against Atlético Madrid, the back four of Areso, Vivian, Laporte, and Berchiche produced a clean sheet in a 3-0 victory that suggested the system was beginning to take hold. Against Levante, the same defensive unit conceded three goals in a 3-1 defeat that exposed the vulnerabilities that remain.
The root cause of the inconsistency is not individual quality. Dani Vivian is a Spain international. Aymeric Laporte is a World Cup winner. Yuri Berchiche, at 36, remains one of the most reliable left-backs in the division. The issue is structural: Terzić’s demands require a level of coordinated pressing and positional discipline that takes time to instil, and the defensive unit has been forced to learn on the job while navigating the demands of La Liga and European competition.
This is the story of Athletic’s 2026/27 defenders: a World Cup winner anchoring a young back line, a captain whose leadership extends beyond his on-pitch contributions, and a depth chart that reflects Lezama’s enduring commitment to internal development.
Tactical Context
Terzić’s defensive system represents a deliberate departure from the reactive, mid-block approach that characterised Valverde’s tenure. The 2026/27 model is built on a back four that pushes higher, with full-backs encouraged to advance into the attacking third and centre-backs comfortable defending in space. The intention is to compress the distance between defence and attack, allowing Athletic to press more aggressively and recover possession in advanced areas.
The tactical balance is provided by the double pivot, typically comprising Mikel Jauregizar and Beñat Prados or Iñigo Ruiz de Galarreta. The pivot screen protects the space behind the advancing full-backs, allowing Areso and Berchiche to press high without exposing the centre-backs to unmanageable transitions. When the system functions, as it did against Atlético, Athletic look compact, aggressive, and difficult to break down. When it breaks down, as it did against Levante, the gaps between the lines become highways for opposition attackers.
The centre-back pairing of Vivian and Laporte is the foundation. Vivian, the 27-year-old Spain international, is the physical enforcer, his recovery pace and aerial dominance compensating for any aggressive positioning from his partner. Laporte, the 32-year-old World Cup winner, is the ball-playing defender, comfortable stepping into midfield and dictating tempo. Their partnership is experienced and complementary, but it is also ageing, and the lack of a proven third option is a structural vulnerability.
The full-back positions have been a source of both strength and concern. Jesús Areso has established himself as the first-choice right-back, his energy and delivery providing width in the attacking third. On the left, Berchiche remains reliable despite his advancing years, though his minutes are carefully managed. The depth behind them—Hugo Rincón, the registered Bilbao Athletic defenders, and the recovering Unai Egiluz—is talented but unproven at the highest level.
The Defenders
Dani Vivian
Vivian is Athletic’s first-choice right-sided centre-back and the defensive cornerstone upon whom Terzić’s system depends. The 27-year-old Spain international has started the majority of Athletic’s league matches this season, his physical presence and recovery pace making him indispensable in a back line that is asked to defend high and aggressively.
His profile is that of the modern, front-footed centre-back. Vivian’s aerial dominance and reading of the game allow him to snuff out danger before it materialises, and his composure on the ball has improved markedly under Terzić’s demands. His partnership with Laporte is one of the more experienced pairings in La Liga, combining youth and athleticism with experience and technical quality.
The concern is durability. Vivian has been a consistent presence, but the lack of proven cover behind him means his availability is critical. If he suffers an injury, Athletic’s defensive structure loses its anchor.
Aymeric Laporte
Laporte is Athletic’s first-choice left-sided centre-back and the most decorated defender in the squad. The 32-year-old World Cup winner returned to the club where he began his career and has brought a level of composure and technical quality that few defenders in La Liga can match.
His profile is that of the ball-playing centre-back. Laporte’s left-footed passing, his ability to step into midfield, and his range of distribution are central to Athletic’s build-up play. His experience—Premier League titles with Manchester City, a World Cup triumph with Spain—provides a reference point for younger defenders navigating the demands of the top flight.
At 32, Laporte is entering the twilight of his career. His minutes will be managed carefully, and his leadership in the dressing room is as valuable as his on-pitch contributions. The question is how much longer he can maintain this level, and whether Athletic have a successor ready when the time comes.
Jesús Areso
Areso is Athletic’s first-choice right-back, the 27-year-old whose energy and delivery have made him a key outlet in Terzić’s attacking structure. His overlapping runs and crossing ability provide width on the right flank, and his defensive discipline has improved under the German’s guidance.
His profile is that of the modern, attacking full-back. Areso’s stamina allows him to contribute at both ends, and his understanding with the right-sided forward—typically Iñaki Williams or Álex Berenguer—has been a consistent source of chances. His contract situation is secure, and his importance to the squad is reflected in his consistent selection.
Yuri Berchiche
Berchiche is Athletic’s first-choice left-back, the 36-year-old veteran whose reliability and experience have made him an enduring presence in the squad. Despite his advancing years, his defensive positioning and delivery from wide areas remain reliable, and his understanding of the club’s identity provides a link between the current generation and the one that preceded it.
His profile is that of the experienced, defensively solid full-back. Berchiche’s attacking contributions have diminished with age, but his positioning and reading of danger compensate for any loss of pace. His minutes are carefully managed, with Terzić conscious of the need to preserve his veteran legs over a long season.
Hugo Rincón
Rincón is the young defender who has been promoted to the first-team squad and assigned the number 15 shirt, a symbolic passing of the torch from Íñigo Lekue. The 23-year-old can operate at right-back or in central defence, and his development represents the latest chapter in Lezama’s enduring production line.
His profile is that of the modern, versatile defender. Rincón’s composure on the ball and tactical intelligence have impressed the coaching staff, and his ability to cover multiple positions makes him a valuable squad member. Whether he can establish himself as a first-team regular remains to be seen, but his promotion is a statement of the club’s commitment to internal development.
Unai Egiluz
Egiluz is the young centre-back who is recovering from a long-term knee injury and has not been assigned a squad number for the 2026/27 season. When fit, he provides depth in central defence, but his absence has limited Terzić’s options in the early months of the campaign.
Adama Boiro
Boiro is the young defender who provides cover at left-back. The 24-year-old has been included in first-team squads and represents the club’s investment in defensive depth.
Bilbao Athletic Registrants
Athletic have registered six Bilbao Athletic players with LaLiga for top-flight eligibility: Mikel Santos (26), Iker Monreal (30), Johaneko Louis-Jean (31), Selton Sánchez (44), Elijah Gift (27), and Asier Hierro (29). Of these, Monreal and Louis-Jean are defenders, providing emergency cover and gaining valuable experience in the first-team environment.
The Numbers Game
TABLE A: Athletic Club Defender La Liga Statistics (2026/27)
| Player | Apps (Starts) | Goals | Assists |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dani Vivian | 9 (9) | 0 | 0 |
| Aymeric Laporte | 8 (8) | 0 | 0 |
| Jesús Areso | 9 (9) | 0 | 1 |
| Yuri Berchiche | 8 (7) | 0 | 1 |
| Hugo Rincón | 2 (0) | 0 | 0 |
| Unai Egiluz | 0 (0) | 0 | 0 |
TABLE B: Athletic Club Defence – Key Metrics (La Liga 2026/27)
| Metric | Value | Context |
|---|---|---|
| Goals Conceded (League) | 9 | In 9 matches; 1.00 per game |
| Clean Sheets (League) | 3 | vs Celta, Atlético, Alavés |
| League Position | 8th | 12 points from 9 matches |
| Record | 3-3-3 | Balanced start under Terzić |
| Home Goals Conceded per Game | 0.80 | Strongest at San Mamés |
TABLE C: Defender Distribution & Defensive Metrics (2026/27)
| Metric | Vivian | Laporte | Areso | Berchiche | Context |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Aerial Duels Won (%) | 68% | 62% | 55% | 58% | Physical contest success |
| Tackles per 90 | 1.8 | 1.2 | 2.1 | 1.6 | Defensive contribution |
| Interceptions per 90 | 1.4 | 1.6 | 1.1 | 1.3 | Reading of opposition passes |
| Pass Accuracy | 84% | 88% | 79% | 82% | Build-up involvement |
| Contract Status | Long-term | 2027 | Long-term | 2027 | Stability vs transition |
Tactical Identity & Squad Balance
Athletic’s defensive unit is a study in experience and continuity. The first-choice back four of Areso, Vivian, Laporte, and Berchiche has performed admirably in patches, keeping clean sheets against Celta Vigo, Atlético Madrid, and Alavés. The goals conceded per game in La Liga stands at 1.00, a respectable figure for a team adapting to a new manager’s demands.
The balance of the unit is built on complementary profiles. Vivian provides physicality and recovery pace. Laporte offers composure and passing range. Areso supplies width and energy. Berchiche delivers experience and defensive solidity. The double pivot screens the space behind the advancing full-backs, allowing Terzić’s aggressive system to function without exposing the centre-backs.
The structural vulnerability is depth and age. Laporte is 32, Berchiche is 36, and the lack of proven alternatives behind them is a concern that will only grow as the season progresses. Rincón’s promotion and the registration of Bilbao Athletic defenders provide emergency cover, but the drop-off in quality is significant. The return of Egiluz from injury would alleviate some of the pressure, but his absence has already stretched the resources thin.
The Verdict from the Camp
Athletic Club official, on squad numbers:
“Centre-back Unai Egiluz has not been assigned a number yet as he continues his recovery from a knee injury.”
On the Bilbao Athletic registrants:
“Athletic Club have so far registered six Bilbao Athletic with LaLiga so they can compete in the top-flight during 2026/27. Those Cubs, who have youth contracts, will wear the following numbers: Mikel Santos (26), Iker Monreal (30) Johaneko Louis-Jean (31), Selton Sánchez (44), Elijah Gift (27) and Asier Hierro (29).”
On Hugo Rincón’s promotion:
“Álex Padilla, Alejandro Rego, Hugo Rincón and Beñat Gerenabarrena have been assigned as Athletic Club first-team players for the 2026/27 campaign, wearing the numbers 13, 20, 15 and 24 respectively.”
Where Next?
Athletic’s defensive priority is durability. The first-choice unit is performing at a level that supports the club’s push for European qualification, but the depth behind it is fragile. Laporte and Berchiche are in the twilight of their careers, and the lack of proven alternatives is a structural vulnerability that the club must address.
The return of Egiluz from injury will provide a timely boost, offering Terzić another option in central defence. Rincón’s development will be closely monitored as a potential long-term successor to Berchiche or Areso. The Bilbao Athletic registrants provide emergency cover, but their integration into the first-team environment will be gradual.
For now, the Leones have a defensive unit that has confounded expectations in patches. Vivian and Laporte form an experienced and complementary centre-back partnership. Areso and Berchiche provide reliability and width on the flanks. The statistical profile is functional rather than exceptional, but the foundation is solid. The question is not whether Athletic’s defence is good enough to compete for European places—the early results suggest it is. The question is whether it can withstand the demands of a full season, with the injuries and fatigue that inevitably come. If it can, Terzić’s first campaign has a foundation. If it cannot, the depth chart will be tested in ways it has not yet been.
