‘Every minor detail – execute them’: Guruzeta’s road from gurney to goals with Athletic Bilbao
Thehe initial occasion the Athletic striker played in England, an young appearing for the reserve team against Borussia Mönchengladbach Under-23s at Wycombe’s stadium in September 2015, he found the net. On his next visit he appeared in British turf, against the Black Cats weeks after, he scored. The third time, against Manchester City soon after, indeed, he did it once more. When he returned to the northwest to play against the Red Devils at Leigh’s ground in 2017, he scored again. It was a superb volley, too. “In fact,” he states, “it’s a top-class goal I’ve ever scored.” So Athletic did their duty: they substituted him.
“I was furious,” the forward admits, before breaking into laughter. “Probably there’s a recording. We went to play United and I was in fine form. They didn’t let me play the second half: my contract wasn’t finalized my contract, I kept finding the net, there were lots of rumours, as you’d expect. I don’t know about the Magpies’ pursuit, but I remember reading about Manchester United, the typical thing. I’m not certain if it was accurate, but even if they had called, my desire was to remain at Athletic. It’s a privilege.”
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At the facility, Bilbao, the morning session is set to begin; post-session, the quick travel to Loiu and a further journey to England, this time to play Newcastle in the Champions League on midweek. Just saying those two words makes Guruzeta smile. It has become a challenging campaign for the club, partially owing to the demands of their participation. Losing in stoppage time in the weekend clash, they have won only one of their past eight league games and been defeated by Arsenal and the German side in the continental stage. But, take in the big picture, the major occasions he’s experienced and those that lie ahead, and he feels a calm gratitude within him.
In the 36 months since he had rejoined the team, Guruzeta has been a final four contender in Europe, prevented from reaching a final at home by Manchester United, and has traveled on a traditional boat up the Nervión estuary accompanied by a million fans after lifting the trophy, the first title in four decades. Currently he stands as Athletic’s top scorer in the Champions League, where they are countercultural and debuting in ten years. “I never imagined this,” he says.
Guruzeta thought it hard enough just to earn a spot and that proved true. Born to the one-time rival player Xabi Guruzeta and a dedicated fan at the team he now opposes, Guruzeta is a graduate of Antiguoko, the San Sebastián club that produced Mikel Arteta, the legendary midfielder and Andoni Iraola. His move to Athletic came at seventeen but after his top-level debut in the 2018 season, he went through a ACL injury, being released, a relegation and a recall before he could earn his place, coming back aged 26 to enjoy the highlights of the club’s history.
“Entering the youth system doubting you’ll make the top level but each step you go through you’re still there and you can observe the approach. You make it and … you’re sent away.” He had limited game time in six games between his first game and that period. “Then I was sent to the filial [Bilbao Athletic, the Under-23s]. Five, six games with them and I tear my cruciate.
“It was a huge blow but I look back on it as something positive because it shifted the perspective. The rehabilitation process is difficult, but it aids growth. You cultivate routines previously lacking. Previously I was casual, but I attended practice and then go home, like when you’re a kid. At the complex, facilities are comprehensive, so take full advantage. Work, precaution. Get in the gym. Should your hips be uneven, work on that. With decent ankle function, improve it more. Every small aspect: do them.
“Among professionals you’re going to collide with opponents who have been in battles countless occasions. They’re so strong. Seeing previous pictures: I had slender legs. Injuries are inevitable. Look at pictures of me now and the change is dramatic. Recovery revealed that. Sessions end, but additional work remains. Teammates are set, really ready; no exceptions.”
Minutes are crucial. The striker moved in tears in that year, aged 23, joining the second tier. With Sabadell in the 20-21 campaign, he netted three goals in forty appearances. With Amorebieta in the following period, the scoring picked up. “Many experience this: loans, terminated contracts. Should you reverse it, work, believe, and should the time come they need someone in your position, they might come back for you. You have to be ready. 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 this is to be enjoyed. Especially after last year which, at times, was about endurance. From top scorer with 16 in 2023-24, last season he got seven in {15 games more|additional matches|
