Real Sociedad Defenders 2024/25

Real Sociedad defenders roster remains an essential component in the club’s quest for success. With several key players bolstering the backline, Real Sociedad’s defensive depth is well-poised to provide the necessary stability for the team throughout the campaign. In the 2024/25 season, here’s a roundup of all the club’s defenders.

1. Aritz Elustondo

Aritz Elustondo, born in Spain, has been a key figure in Real Sociedad defenders lineup for several seasons. The 29-year-old versatile defender has proven himself not only as a center-back but also as a right-back, giving his coach significant tactical flexibility. Elustondo started his career at Real Sociedad’s youth academy, making his senior debut in 2012. His steady progression through the ranks earned him a first-team spot, and his influence on the pitch has grown substantially.

Elustondo is known for his leadership qualities, having captained the team on several occasions. He is highly regarded for his composure under pressure and his ability to read the game, often intercepting passes or blocking opposition attacks. His positional sense is second to none, and he is comfortable in one-on-one situations, which makes him a critical part of the defensive scheme.

In terms of transfer history, Elustondo has largely stayed loyal to his boyhood club, with no significant moves away. His contract with Real Sociedad was renewed multiple times as the club recognized his importance. While his market value is not as high as some of the world’s most prominent defenders, his reliability and experience make him an invaluable asset to the team.

2. Robin Le Normand

Robin Le Normand, the French center-back, has become an integral part of Real Sociedad’s defense since joining the club in 2019. The 27-year-old’s move to Spain was preceded by a solid stint at the French club, AS Monaco, where he spent several years progressing through their academy and making appearances for their senior team. Real Sociedad defenders setup saw immense potential in the defender, signing him for a reported fee of around €10 million in 2019.

Le Normand’s profile is defined by his technical prowess and strong aerial ability. His left-footedness adds balance to the defense, making him a valuable component in building attacks from the back. His exceptional reading of the game enables him to break up opposition attacks and clear dangerous crosses effectively. The Frenchman is also noted for his leadership in the defensive unit, often marshalling the backline with clear communication and organizing the defense during set pieces.

Le Normand’s reputation has grown since his arrival, and he has attracted attention from top clubs due to his strong performances in La Liga and in European competitions. His market value has risen steadily, but he remains firmly committed to Real Sociedad, where he is viewed as one of the cornerstone players in their defensive setup.

3. David Silva

While primarily known for his attacking brilliance, David Silva has played in defensive roles throughout his career, providing additional depth to Real Sociedad’s backline when needed. Silva, one of the most successful Spanish midfielders of his generation, joined Real Sociedad defenders lineup in the summer of 2020 after leaving Manchester City, where he had enjoyed an illustrious career. His move to La Liga was a highly anticipated one, as his exceptional passing ability and tactical intelligence were expected to bring immediate value to the team.

Though his primary role is as a midfielder, Silva’s tactical awareness and adaptability have often seen him drop deeper into more defensive positions, especially when the team is under pressure. His ability to read the game and track back to help the defense make him a valuable asset in times of transition. Silva’s transfer to Real Sociedad came as a free transfer, given his contract expiration at Manchester City. His arrival provided the team with a wealth of experience and technical skill, further solidifying the club’s midfield and defensive versatility.

4. Diego Rico

Diego Rico is another significant defensive player for Real Sociedad defenders squad, having arrived from Premier League side AFC Bournemouth in 2021. The 26-year-old Spanish left-back came with a strong reputation after impressing during his time in England, where he had been a consistent presence in the AFC Bournemouth defense. The reported transfer fee for Rico was around €10 million, which was considered a fair price given his age and potential.

Known for his pace and tenacity, Rico is an attacking-minded full-back who frequently overlaps on the left side to provide width in attack. However, he is also highly effective in defense, using his speed to track back and make crucial tackles or interceptions. His crossing ability is another standout feature, often creating opportunities for teammates with well-placed balls into the box. Rico has proven to be a valuable addition to Real Sociedad, contributing both defensively and offensively. His versatility on the left side, being able to play both as a left-back and a left-wing-back, offers flexibility to the team’s formation and tactics.

5. Martín Zubimendi

Martín Zubimendi is a defensive midfielder for Real Sociedad, but his deep-lying role often sees him operate as a shield in front of the defensive line. While not a central defender per se, his positioning and tactical intelligence make him an essential part of the defensive structure. Born in Spain, Zubimendi has been with Real Sociedad defenders since his youth days and has quickly become one of the standout defensive players in La Liga.

Zubimendi’s primary strength lies in his ability to intercept opposition passes and break up counter-attacks. His defensive contributions often go unnoticed, but he plays a crucial role in providing cover for the backline. In addition to his defensive skills, Zubimendi is also a capable passer and can transition play from defense to attack efficiently. His vision and ability to pick out key passes from deep positions make him a key player in maintaining the balance between defense and offense for Real Sociedad.

Zubimendi’s transfer fee was relatively modest considering his abilities, but his value has skyrocketed over the years. As one of the top young defensive midfielders in Spain, he has earned interest from several top European clubs.

6. Igor Zubeldia

Igor Zubeldia, another product of Real Sociedad’s renowned academy, is a versatile defender who can operate both as a center-back and as a defensive midfielder. The 25-year-old has been with the club since he was a teenager, making his professional debut for the first team in 2016. Zubeldia’s defensive skills have matured significantly over the years, and he is now considered a key player in Real Sociedad’s defense.

Zubeldia’s style of play is characterized by his intelligence on the ball and his composure under pressure. He is a player who thrives in tight spaces, often evading opponents with quick turns and precise passes. His tackling is strong, and he is adept at breaking up opposition attacks before they fully materialize. While not as physically imposing as some defenders, Zubeldia’s technical ability and positional awareness make him a vital part of the team’s defensive setup.

His market value has steadily increased since his early days at the club, and he has become an essential component of the first-team defense. Zubeldia’s ability to seamlessly transition between defense and midfield offers Real Sociedad defenders lineup a level of tactical flexibility that is invaluable over the course of a season.

7. Andoni Gorosabel

Andoni Gorosabel is a product of Real Sociedad’s youth academy, and the 25-year-old right-back has shown significant development over the years. Gorosabel’s attacking instincts and defensive reliability make him a solid option for the right side of the defense. His excellent pace allows him to track back quickly and offer support in both offensive and defensive situations.

Gorosabel’s technical skills include precise passing and good crossing ability, which make him an asset going forward. However, it is his defensive contributions, such as timely interceptions and key tackles, that truly stand out. His ability to position himself well and read the game makes him a key player in Real Sociedad’s system.

Gorosabel’s market value is growing as he continues to establish himself as a key player in La Liga. Having come through the ranks of Real Sociedad’s youth system, he has become a reliable figure for the team and is expected to remain a part of their future plans for many years to come.

The defensive unit of Real Sociedad for the 2024/25 season is a strong and versatile group, with a mix of youth and experience. Players like Aritz Elustondo and Robin Le Normand anchor the backline, offering leadership and technical ability. Meanwhile, younger talents like Igor Zubeldia and Andoni Gorosabel continue to evolve, making significant contributions to the team’s overall defensive stability. The club’s defensive philosophy has been built on a foundation of tactical intelligence, technical skill, and adaptability, and each of these defenders plays a critical role in maintaining that standard. As Real Sociedad continues to challenge for domestic and international honors, the strength of their defense will undoubtedly be one of the key factors in their success. With a blend of established stars and emerging talents, the club’s defense is in good hands for the future.