‘Every minor detail – execute them’: Guruzeta’s path from rehabilitation to goals with Athletic Bilbao

The debut appearance the Athletic striker featured in the UK, an 18-year-old appearing for the youth squad against German opponents at the English ground in the 2015 season, he found the net. During his subsequent match he played in the country, against Sunderland weeks after, he scored. The third time, against the Citizens soon after, indeed, he scored again. Upon his comeback to the northwest to take on Manchester United at the sports complex in that year, he did it once more. An excellent finish, as well. “In fact,” he says, “it’s one of the best goals in my career.” Therefore the team did what was necessary: he was replaced.

“I was furious,” the forward reveals, then chuckling. “I’m sure there’s footage. We went to play United and I was in fine form. They kept me out of the latter period: I hadn’t yet signed agreement, I was scoring goals, there were lots of rumours, it’s typical. No confirmation on interest from Newcastle, but I came across reports about the Red Devils, the usual talk. I have no idea if it was accurate, but even if they had called, my desire was to remain at the club. I’m fortunate to be here.”

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At the training ground, the Basque Country, the morning session is set to begin; post-session, the quick travel to Loiu and a further journey to Britain, this time to take on the Magpies in the UCL on Wednesday. Just saying those two words lights him up. This is proving a difficult season for Athletic, partly because of the pressures of their participation. Losing in stoppage time in the derby on Saturday, they have managed just one win of their last eight matches and lost against Arsenal and Borussia Dortmund in Europe. Yet, consider the broader view, the big nights he has lived and upcoming events, and there’s a kind of quiet appreciation from him.

In the three years since he had come back to Athletic, Guruzeta has been a final four contender in Europe, prevented from reaching the showpiece event by United, and has traveled on a traditional boat through the waterway surrounded by a million fans after lifting the trophy, the club’s first trophy in four decades. Now he is the top goal-getter in the UCL, where they are countercultural and making their first appearance in ten years. “This was beyond my dreams,” he admits.

The player believed it difficult enough just to break into the senior squad and he was right. The son of the ex-La Real star the former professional and a dedicated fan at the team he now opposes, the forward is from the Antiguoko academy, the Donostiarra team that nurtured the coach, Xabi Alonso and Andoni Iraola. He joined Athletic at 17 but after making his senior debut in that summer, he experienced a torn cruciate, the cut, a demotion and a return before he could truly get a chance, returning at 26 to enjoy the highlights of the club’s history.

“You go into the academy not expecting to reach the senior squad but each step you advance through you’re remaining and you can notice the proximity. You arrive and then … departure is necessary.” He featured briefly in six matches in six games between his debut and that period. “Then I was sent to the filial [Bilbao Athletic, the Under-23s]. Several appearances there and my knee gave way.

“A massive setback but In retrospect as a turning point because it shifted the outlook. The rehabilitation process is hard, but it helps. You cultivate routines new to you. It’s not about neglect, but I did the sessions and then go home, typical youth behavior. In the facility, you have everything, so take full advantage. Practice, prevention. Hit the weights. With hip imbalance, address that. Assuming ankle mobility is good, improve it more. All those ‘silly things’: execute them.

“Among professionals you’re going to collide with opponents who have been in battles countless occasions. They’re so strong. Seeing previous pictures: my legs are chicken legs. Injuries are inevitable. Present-day images and it’s totally different. Recovery revealed that. Sessions end, but additional work remains. Peers are prepared, really ready; no exceptions.”

You also have to play. He left emotionally in the pandemic season, at 23 years old, dropping into the second division. During his Sabadell spell in the 20-21 campaign, he scored three times in 40 games. With Amorebieta in the latter part of the season, the he found his form. “Many experience this: temporary moves, ended deals. Should you reverse it, dedication, confidence, and should the time come a vacancy arises where you play, they might come back for you. Readiness is vital. When the opportunity came, it was a dream come true. Lifting the cup, compete continentally, and qualify for Europe’s top tier … pfff.”

Understandably he remarks appreciate the experience. Particularly after last year which, sometimes, was about endurance. After being leading scorer with sixteen goals, last season he got seven in {15 games more|additional matches|