Athletic Club Goalkeepers 2024/25
Athletic Club goalkeepers department is known for their unique philosophy of only fielding players of Basque heritage. Meaning, they always prioritize nurturing homegrown talent. For the 2024/25 season, Athletic Club boasts a lineup of talented goalkeepers who are ready to protect the net and contribute to the team’s defensive solidity. Let’s delve into an in-depth analysis of each goalkeeper in the squad, their backgrounds, and their contributions.
Unai Simón
Unai Simón, the undisputed Athletic Club goalkeepers number 1 choice. His name is popular and resonates strongly in Spanish football circles. Born on June 11, 1997, in Vitoria-Gasteiz, Spain, Simón’s journey to becoming one of the top goalkeepers in La Liga has been nothing short of remarkable.
- Early Career and Development:
Simón began his football journey at a young age, joining the youth academy of Aurrerá Vitoria, a local club in his hometown. His exceptional talent was evident from an early age, and it wasn’t long before he caught the attention of scouts from bigger clubs. In 2011, at the age of 14, Simón made the significant move to Athletic Club goalkeepers roster where he started off in the famous Lezama youth academy.
- Rise to Prominence:
Simón’s development at Lezama was rapid. He progressed through the various youth ranks, consistently showcasing his shot-stopping abilities, composure under pressure, and excellent distribution skills. His performances in the youth teams earned him a promotion to Bilbao Athletic, Athletic Club’s reserve team, where he continued to impress.
- First-Team Breakthrough:
The 2018/19 season proved to be a turning point in Simón’s career. With the departure of Kepa Arrizabalaga to Chelsea, Athletic Club found themselves in need of a reliable goalkeeper. Simón seized the opportunity, making his first-team debut on August 20, 2018, in a La Liga match against CD Leganés. His assured performances and ability to make crucial saves quickly solidified his position as the team’s first-choice goalkeeper.
- International Recognition:
Simón’s outstanding displays did not go unnoticed, and he soon earned a call-up to the Spanish national team. He made his international debut on November 11, 2020, in a friendly match against the Netherlands. Since then, he has become a regular fixture in the national team setup, representing Spain in major tournaments such as the UEFA European Championship and the FIFA World Cup.
- Playing Style and Strengths:
Simón is known for his excellent reflexes, agility, and shot-stopping abilities. His calm demeanor and ability to read the game make him a reliable presence between the posts. Additionally, his proficiency in playing out from the back aligns perfectly with the modern goalkeeper’s role, allowing Athletic Club to build their attacks from deep positions.
- Memorable Moments:
Throughout his career, Simón has produced numerous memorable moments. One standout performance came in the 2020/21 Copa del Rey final, where he made crucial saves to help Athletic Club secure a historic victory. His ability to perform under pressure and deliver when it matters most has endeared him to the fans and solidified his status as a key player for the club.
Julen Agirrezabala
Julen Agirrezabala is another promising goalkeeper who has steadily climbed the ranks at Athletic Club goalkeepers roster. Born on October 28, 2002, in Ondarroa, Spain, Agirrezabala’s journey from the club’s youth academy to the first team is a testament to his dedication and talent.
- Early Career and Development:
Agirrezabala’s passion for football was evident from a young age. He joined the youth setup at Athletic Club’s Lezama academy, where he honed his skills and developed his understanding of the game. His early years in the academy were marked by consistent improvement and standout performances.
- Progression Through the Ranks:
Agirrezabala’s talent did not go unnoticed, and he quickly progressed through the various youth levels at Lezama. His performances in the youth teams caught the attention of the coaching staff, earning him a spot in Bilbao Athletic, the club’s reserve team.
- Breakthrough Season:
The 2023/24 season proved to be a breakthrough year for Agirrezabala. With a string of impressive performances for Bilbao Athletic, he earned his promotion to the first team. His debut for the senior team came in a Copa del Rey match, where he showcased his shot-stopping abilities and composure under pressure.
- Playing Style and Strengths:
Agirrezabala is known for his agility, quick reflexes, and strong shot-stopping abilities. His positioning and ability to command his area make him a reliable presence in goal. Additionally, his proficiency in distributing the ball and playing out from the back aligns with Athletic Club’s style of play.
- Future Prospects:
At just 22 years old, Agirrezabala’s best years are ahead of him. His dedication to improving his game and his willingness to learn from more experienced teammates bode well for his future. As he continues to gain experience and develop his skills, he has the potential to become a key player for Athletic Club in the coming years.
Oier Gastesi
Oier Gastesi is another young player who has shown immense promise and potential at Athletic Club goalkeepers squad. Born on March 15, 2003, in Bilbao, Spain, Gastesi’s journey through the club’s youth ranks has been marked by consistent development and standout performances.
- Early Career and Development:
Gastesi’s passion for football was evident from a young age. He joined the youth setup at Athletic Club’s Lezama academy, where he began to develop his goalkeeping skills. His early years in the academy were marked by hard work, dedication, and steady improvement.
- Progression Through the Ranks:
Gastesi’s talent did not go unnoticed, and he quickly rose through the various youth levels at Lezama. His performances in the youth teams earned him a spot in Bilbao Athletic, the club’s reserve team, where he continued to showcase his abilities.
- First-Team Opportunities:
The 2024/25 season has seen Gastesi earn opportunities to train and play with the first team. His debut for the senior team in a pre-season friendly was a significant milestone in his career. Gastesi’s ability to make crucial saves and his composure under pressure have impressed the coaching staff.
- Playing Style and Strengths:
Gastesi is known for his quick reflexes, agility, and excellent shot-stopping abilities. His positioning and ability to read the game make him a reliable presence in goal. Additionally, his proficiency in distributing the ball and starting attacks from the back aligns with Athletic Club’s style of play.
Future Prospects:
At just 21 years old, Gastesi has a bright future ahead of him. His dedication to improving his game and his willingness to learn from more experienced teammates bode well for his development. As he continues to gain experience and refine his skills, he has the potential to become a key player for Athletic Club goalkeepers lineup in the coming years.
Athletic Club’s goalkeeping department for the 2024/25 season is a blend of experience and youth, with each goalkeeper bringing unique qualities to the team. Unai Simón, the experienced first-choice goalkeeper, provides a solid foundation with his exceptional shot-stopping abilities and composure under pressure. Julen Agirrezabala, a young talent, offers agility and quick reflexes, while Oier Gastesi, another promising goalkeeper, brings a blend of agility and strong shot-stopping abilities.
The club’s commitment to nurturing homegrown talent is evident in the development of these goalkeepers, each of whom has progressed through the ranks at Lezama. As they continue to develop and gain experience, they will play a crucial role in Athletic Club’s pursuit of success in domestic and European competitions. With a strong goalkeeping lineup, the club is well-equipped to face the challenges of the 2024/25 season. The blend of experience and youth, coupled with the club’s unique philosophy, ensures that the future remains bright for the goalkeeping department at Athletic Club de Bilbao.