'The Good, The Bad, And
The Brilliant'
With the Liga BBVA taking its annual Winter break, we thought we would take a look at the men who are propelling Sergio Creatas' Basque team into the limelight and those who are yet to impress. Bilbao lie third in the league at Christmas 8 points from the leaders with a game in hand, at this stage it looks a straight fight between Bilbao and Atletico Madrid for best of the rest in Spain.
'The Good'
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Benat, 25- The midfield mystro was Creatas' main signing in the summer and has repaid his manager with a number of brilliant performances in the heart of midfield. Although he will be a little dissapointed at only scoring the one goal he has been pivotal in Bilbao staying with the powerhouses of Spanish football.
Borja Ekiza, 24 - The young Spanish centre half has been brilliant at the centre of defence this season, providing a solid basis for the team to build on. Ever present in the league this season he has also chipped in with a couple of goals, keeping Amorebieta out of the team.
Jon Aurtenetxe, 20 - The young promising left back has made the position his own this season, as part of a solid back 5 that have provided a strong foundation for the Basque club. The Spanish manager has even taken notice declaring the 20 year old as the future left back for the Country.
'The Bad'
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Iker Muniain, 20 - Much was expected of 'the best youth product ever to come out of San Mames' but he is yet to show it. 4 goals in 18 appearances is far from the rate required from the man set to replace goal scoring hero Llorente, he will need a better second half to the season or Creatas will have a few questions to answer.
Artiz Aduriz, 31 - This ageing striker clearly isn't the answer to Creatas' problems when Llorente leaves, with just 2 goals in 11 games this season the Spaniard has not made the most of his chances in the cups. A strong second half of the season will be needed to convince Creatas not to look elsewhere next season.
'The Brilliant'
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Fernando Llorente, 27 - The outgoing striker hasn't let the fact he is leaving affect his performances this term with 29 goals before the winter break. The stand-out performer in Liga BBVA this season besides the usual duo is in the running for the Ballon D'or and will be looking to leave the Basque club on a high.
Aymeric Laporte, 18 - The young French centre back hasn't just forced his way into the Bilbao first team this term he has also made his debut for his country. The dream season so far for the teenager has seen him chip in with 3 goals in 19 games and ensured Amorebieta has been sat on the bench.
Ibai Gomez, 23 - Outshining Muniain and Susaeta so far this season the uncapped Spaniard has provided 8 goals and 12 assists in just 18 starting appearances making him Bilbao's second top scorer. With a nack for being in the right place at the right time, and ability to find the back of the net the 23 year old may be considered more as a poacher next term.
The Brilliant'
With the Liga BBVA taking its annual Winter break, we thought we would take a look at the men who are propelling Sergio Creatas' Basque team into the limelight and those who are yet to impress. Bilbao lie third in the league at Christmas 8 points from the leaders with a game in hand, at this stage it looks a straight fight between Bilbao and Atletico Madrid for best of the rest in Spain.
'The Good'
View attachment 362747 View attachment 362748 View attachment 362749
Benat, 25- The midfield mystro was Creatas' main signing in the summer and has repaid his manager with a number of brilliant performances in the heart of midfield. Although he will be a little dissapointed at only scoring the one goal he has been pivotal in Bilbao staying with the powerhouses of Spanish football.
Borja Ekiza, 24 - The young Spanish centre half has been brilliant at the centre of defence this season, providing a solid basis for the team to build on. Ever present in the league this season he has also chipped in with a couple of goals, keeping Amorebieta out of the team.
Jon Aurtenetxe, 20 - The young promising left back has made the position his own this season, as part of a solid back 5 that have provided a strong foundation for the Basque club. The Spanish manager has even taken notice declaring the 20 year old as the future left back for the Country.
'The Bad'
View attachment 362754 View attachment 362755
Iker Muniain, 20 - Much was expected of 'the best youth product ever to come out of San Mames' but he is yet to show it. 4 goals in 18 appearances is far from the rate required from the man set to replace goal scoring hero Llorente, he will need a better second half to the season or Creatas will have a few questions to answer.
Artiz Aduriz, 31 - This ageing striker clearly isn't the answer to Creatas' problems when Llorente leaves, with just 2 goals in 11 games this season the Spaniard has not made the most of his chances in the cups. A strong second half of the season will be needed to convince Creatas not to look elsewhere next season.
'The Brilliant'
View attachment 362756 View attachment 362757 View attachment 362758
Fernando Llorente, 27 - The outgoing striker hasn't let the fact he is leaving affect his performances this term with 29 goals before the winter break. The stand-out performer in Liga BBVA this season besides the usual duo is in the running for the Ballon D'or and will be looking to leave the Basque club on a high.
Aymeric Laporte, 18 - The young French centre back hasn't just forced his way into the Bilbao first team this term he has also made his debut for his country. The dream season so far for the teenager has seen him chip in with 3 goals in 19 games and ensured Amorebieta has been sat on the bench.
Ibai Gomez, 23 - Outshining Muniain and Susaeta so far this season the uncapped Spaniard has provided 8 goals and 12 assists in just 18 starting appearances making him Bilbao's second top scorer. With a nack for being in the right place at the right time, and ability to find the back of the net the 23 year old may be considered more as a poacher next term.