‘All those little things – make sure you do them’: The striker’s path from rehabilitation to scoring with Athletic

Whenhe debut appearance the Athletic striker featured in the UK, an 18-year-old representing the reserve team against German opponents at Wycombe’s stadium in fall 2015, he hit the target. The second time he played in England, against Sunderland two months later, he netted. The third time, against Pep Guardiola’s team six weeks after that, sure enough, he scored again. As he revisited to the city to take on Manchester United at Leigh’s ground in the 2017 season, he did it once more. A spectacular strike, as well. “In fact,” he says, “it’s one of the best goals in my career.” Thus the club did what was necessary: he was replaced.

“I was furious,” the forward reveals, before breaking into laughter. “There must be a video somewhere. Our match against United and I performed well. They didn’t let me play the final 45 minutes: my contract wasn’t finalized deal, I was scoring goals, speculation was rife, you know how it is. No confirmation on interest from Newcastle, but I came across reports about the Red Devils, the usual talk. It’s unclear if it was accurate, but supposing an offer came, my desire was to remain at the club. I’m fortunate to be here.”

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At the training ground, Bilbao, the early training is about to start; post-session, the brief trip to Loiu airport and a further journey to England, this time to play Newcastle in the UCL on midweek. Just saying those two words lights him up. It has become a challenging campaign for the club, due in part to the demands of their participation. Losing in stoppage time in the local rivalry, they have secured just a single victory of their past eight league games and been defeated by Arsenal and the German side in European competition. Yet, consider the broader view, the big nights he has lived and future challenges, and there’s a kind of quiet appreciation within him.

In the 36 months since he had returned to the club, the striker has been a Europa League semi-finalist, stopped at the gates a domestic final by Manchester United, and has ridden an historic vessel up the Nervión estuary surrounded by countless supporters after lifting the trophy, the team’s initial silverware in 40 years. He’s now the top goal-getter in the UCL, where they are unique and making their first appearance in ten years. “I never imagined this,” he states.

He considered it challenging enough just to make the first team and that proved true. The son of the one-time rival player his father and a dedicated fan at the opposition side, the forward is a product of Antiguoko, the San Sebastián club that developed Mikel Arteta, the former star and Andoni Iraola. He signed for Athletic at his teens but after making his senior debut in that summer, he suffered a serious knee problem, the cut, a drop in category and a return before he could earn his place, making his comeback to live the best days of their lives.

“You go into the academy not expecting to reach the senior squad but each step you go through you’re still there and you can see it getting closer. You arrive and then … you have to leave.” He played six, nine, five, one, four and 20 minutes in a handful of matches between his debut and February 2019. “And then I go back down to the filial [Bilbao Athletic, the Under-23s]. Several appearances at that level and I tear my cruciate.

“It was a huge blow but I look back on it as something positive because it made me change the perspective. Healing from a serious ailment is hard, but it helps. You develop habits new to you. It’s not that you don’t look after yourself, but I did the sessions and then return home, typical youth behavior. In the facility, all resources are available, so do everything. Work, precaution. Strength training. If your hips aren’t balanced, work on that. If your ankles are a 10, make it a 12 or a 14. Every small aspect: execute them.

“In the first team you’re going to face physical challenges who have experienced contact countless occasions. They’re so strong. Seeing previous pictures: my legs are chicken legs. So what happens, happens. Current photos and the improvement is clear. The setback taught me. Sessions end, but further effort is needed. Everyone else is ready, really ready; you have to be too.”

Minutes are crucial. Guruzeta departed upset in the pandemic season, aged 23, dropping into the second division. During his Sabadell spell in the 20-21 campaign, he scored three times in numerous matches. At Amorebieta in the following period, the scoring picked up. “It’s a common path: temporary moves, ended deals. With a turnaround, dedication, confidence, and if one day they need someone for your role, a return could happen. You have to be ready. When the opportunity came, an aspiration fulfilled. The trophy success, compete continentally, and make the UCL … pfff.”

Understandably he remarks this is to be enjoyed. Particularly after the prior campaign which, at times, was about endurance. From top scorer with 16 in 2023-24, he managed seven in {15 games more|additional matches|