Athletic Club 202526 Season Preview: Identity, Intensity, and Internal Growth
Athletic Club steps into the 202526 season anchored in continuity, unity, and a growing sense of belief. Relying on their homegrown core and club-exclusive Basque recruitment policy, the Lions once again prioritize intensity, cohesion, and tactical discipline.
Squad Age Profile
Main Players Average Age: 25.2 years
Substitute Bench Average Age: 24.7 years
Core Contributors & Tactical Stability
Iñaki Williams (2654 mins) remains the wide forward threat, using his athleticism and direct running to stretch defenses on both flanks, Dani Vivian (2605 mins) has become the central figure in the back line, combining aggression and composure with aerial dominance, Unai Simón (1890 mins) continues as one of Spains most reliable keepers, combining reflexes with improved distribution, Mikel Jauregizar (2245 mins) brings control and maturity in midfield despite his age (21), acting as the pivot between defense and attack, Alex Berenguer and Yuri Berchiche offer versatility and consistency on the left flank, blending experience with overlapping threat, Nico Williams (2001 mins) offers flair and directness, cutting inside with danger while linking well with overlapping fullbacks, Gorka Guruzeta (1845 mins) remains a functional if understated central forward option, offering movement and pressing over pure finishing.
Squad Dynamics & Internal Promotions: Oihan Sancet (1628 mins) remains a technically refined second striker or advanced midfielder, though injuries limited his contribution. A fit Sancet could unlock another layer in Bilbaos creative game, Yeray Álvarez, Aitor Paredes, and Beñat Prados rotate through central defense and midfield, maintaining high tactical IQ and structural cohesion.
Substitutes & Reinforced Depth
Athletic’s bench remains deeply rooted in its philosophy, blending youth with loyalty: Óscar De Marcos (1563 mins at 36) is still a reliable right-sided operator in tight matches, Íñigo Ruiz de Galarreta and Mikel Vesga (combined 3,000+ mins) offer security in central midfield, especially when rotating with Jauregizar and Sancet, Unai Gómez, Andoni Gorosabel, and Adama Boiro are among the developing players gradually stepping into key substitute role and Julen Agirrezabala (1208 mins) provides excellent backup goalkeeping presence, continuing to grow in confidence and composure. This core of substitutes ensures that whenever Bilbao rotates, intensity and structure are never sacrificed.
Conclusion: Structure, Spirit, and a Top-Six Ceiling
Athletic Bilbao remain one of La Ligas most coherent and hard-to-break units. Their style may not win stylistic awards, but it delivers consistency, identity, and results. If Nico Williams hits a higher gear and Sancet stays fit, they could pose a serious threat to Spains top four. With their disciplined shape, collective effort, and deep internal bench, the Lions are once again quietly formidable.
