Hey guys! Are you ready to dive into the heart of Basque football? We're talking about Athletic Bilbao, a club steeped in tradition and known for its unique player policy. In this article, we're going to break down the Athletic Bilbao squad for the 2023/24 season, looking at key players, potential transfers, and everything you need to know about this iconic team. Get ready for an in-depth look at the Lions of San Mamés!

The Current Squad: Key Players and Analysis

Let's get straight to the good stuff: the players who will be gracing the pitch for Athletic Bilbao this season. We'll spotlight some of the key figures who are expected to make a significant impact.

• Goalkeepers: Inigo Agirrezabala, Julen Agirrezabala
• Defenders: Aitor Paredes, Yeray Alvarez, Imanol Garcia de Albeniz, Oscar de Marcos, Inigo Lekue, Yuri Berchiche, Daniel Vivian
• Midfielders: Mikel Vesga, Ander Herrera, Oihan Sancet, Iker Muniain, Inigo Ruiz de Galarreta, Benat Prados Diaz, Unai Gomez Etxebarria
• Forwards: Asier Villalibre, Gorka Guruzeta, Alex Berenguer, Inaki Williams, Nico Williams, Raul Garcia

Inaki Williams, the lightning-fast forward, is undoubtedly one of the team's most important assets. His pace, skill, and goal-scoring ability make him a constant threat to opposing defenses. Keep an eye on him to lead the line and provide those crucial goals.

Oihan Sancet is the creative spark in midfield. His vision, passing range, and ability to unlock defenses are vital to Athletic's attacking play. He's the guy who can turn a game on its head with a moment of brilliance.

Yeray Álvarez, a rock at the back, brings stability and leadership to the defense. His aerial prowess, tackling ability, and reading of the game make him a formidable opponent for any striker. He will be crucial in maintaining a solid defensive record.

The Williams Brothers (Iñaki and Nico) provide excitement, both in and out of possession of the ball. They can be a nightmare for defenders to deal with, because of their sheer pace and skill. Also, both of them can produce a moment of brilliance at any moment of the game. For this reason, opposing defenders must not take either brother lightly.

The team's overall strength lies in its cohesion and work ethic. Athletic Bilbao prides itself on its Basque-only player policy, which fosters a strong sense of identity and camaraderie within the squad. This bond translates to a relentless work rate on the pitch and a never-say-die attitude. With such great players, the manager, Ernesto Valverde, will be hoping to lead them to a respectable finish in La Liga, and to progress into the latter stages of the Copa del Rey.

Potential Transfers: Who Might Be Joining or Leaving?

Transfer season is always a hot topic, and Athletic Bilbao is no exception. While their Basque-only policy limits their options, there are always potential moves that could strengthen the squad. Let's take a look at some possibilities.

Potential Arrivals: Given their unique recruitment strategy, Athletic Bilbao primarily looks within the Basque region for new talent. Young players from local clubs or those with Basque heritage playing elsewhere are often targets. Keep an eye on promising youngsters who are making waves in the lower leagues.

Potential Departures: While Athletic Bilbao aims to retain its key players, sometimes offers come in that are too good to refuse. If a major club comes calling for one of their stars, it could be difficult to hold on to them. However, the club's strong sense of identity and the players' connection to the Basque region often play a significant role in their decision-making.

Youth Academy Prospects: Athletic Bilbao's Lezama academy is renowned for producing top-quality players. Keep an eye on youngsters who are progressing through the ranks and could potentially break into the first team. The likes of Unai Gómez already made his debut this season, playing a part in 21 games and scoring 2 goals. Promoting from within is a key part of the club's philosophy.

The transfer market is always unpredictable, so it's difficult to say for sure who will be coming or going. However, one thing is certain: Athletic Bilbao will always stick to its principles and prioritize players who embody the values of the club and the Basque region. Furthermore, the club cannot be drawn into paying over the odds for players, and can only really sign players that would like to join the club.

Tactical Approach: How Will Athletic Bilbao Play?

Under coach Ernesto Valverde, Athletic Bilbao is likely to employ a dynamic and attacking style of play. Expect to see a high-pressing game, with the team looking to win the ball back quickly in the opponent's half. They will probably aim to get the ball wide and make use of wingers Iñaki and Nico Williams in order to stretch the opposition defence.

The team typically plays in a 4-2-3-1 formation, which is designed to be solid in defence, but also allows them to flood the midfield and attack with pace and power.

Key Tactical Elements:

• High Pressing: Winning the ball back quickly and creating scoring opportunities in the opponent's half.
• Fast Transitions: Quickly switching from defense to attack and exploiting spaces.
• Width and Pace: Utilizing the wings to stretch the opposition defense and create crossing opportunities.
• Solid Defense: Maintaining a compact defensive shape and minimizing errors.

Adapting to Opponents: While Athletic Bilbao has a clear tactical identity, they are also capable of adapting their approach depending on the opponent. Against stronger teams, they may adopt a more cautious approach, focusing on defensive solidity and counter-attacks. Against weaker teams, they will look to dominate possession and create chances.

The Role of the Manager: Ernesto Valverde plays a crucial role in shaping the team's tactical approach and making key decisions. His experience, tactical knowledge, and man-management skills are vital to Athletic Bilbao's success. Furthermore, he understands the importance of the club's culture and he is keen to promote the youth prospects from the Lezama academy.

Season Expectations: What Can We Expect From Athletic Bilbao?

So, what can we realistically expect from Athletic Bilbao in the 2023/24 season? Let's be honest, competing with the likes of Real Madrid and Barcelona for the title is a tall order. However, Athletic Bilbao has the potential to challenge for a European spot and make a deep run in the Copa del Rey.

Realistic Goals:

• Qualify for Europe: Securing a spot in the Europa League or Europa Conference League would be a significant achievement.
• Copa del Rey Run: Aiming to reach the semi-finals or even the final of the Copa del Rey.
• Develop Young Players: Continuing to integrate young players from the academy into the first team.

Challenges:

• Consistency: Maintaining a consistent level of performance throughout the season.
• Injuries: Avoiding injuries to key players.
• Competition: Facing tough competition from other teams vying for European spots.

Fan Support: The passionate support of the Athletic Bilbao fans will be crucial to the team's success. The atmosphere at San Mamés is renowned for being one of the most intimidating in Spain, and the players will need that support to spur them on.

Ultimately, Athletic Bilbao's success will depend on their ability to play to their strengths, maintain consistency, and stay true to their values. With a talented squad, a experienced coach, and passionate fans, they have the potential to make the 2023/24 season one to remember.

Conclusion: A Season Full of Promise

Alright guys, there you have it – a comprehensive look at the Athletic Bilbao squad for the 2023/24 season. With a blend of experienced players, exciting young talents, and a strong tactical approach, the Lions of San Mamés are poised for a season full of promise. Keep an eye on them as they battle for glory in La Liga and the Copa del Rey. It's going to be an exciting ride! Aupa Athletic!