‘All those silly things – do them’: Guruzeta’s path from rehabilitation to goals with Athletic
The first time the Spanish forward played in English soil, an teenage playing for the reserve team against German opponents at Wycombe’s stadium in September 2015, he hit the target. On his next visit he took the field in the country, against the English side two months later, he scored. His third outing, against Manchester City not long later, indeed, he did it once more. As he revisited to the city to face United at the sports complex in that year, he scored again. A spectacular strike, as well. “In fact,” he says, “it’s a top-class goal in my career.” Therefore the team did what was necessary: they substituted him.
“I became very upset,” the attacker says, before breaking into laughter. “Probably there’s a recording. Our match against United and I was pretty good. They didn’t let me play the latter period: I was without a signed agreement, I kept finding the net, there were lots of rumours, as you’d expect. I don’t know about the Magpies’ pursuit, but I came across reports about the Red Devils, the usual talk. I’m not certain how true it was, but even if they had called, I’d have chosen to stay at the club. I’m fortunate to be here.”
La Real relieve strain with extraordinary derby triumph
At Lezama, the Basque Country, the day’s first practice is about to start; following that, the brief trip to Loiu airport and another flight to the UK, on this occasion to take on the Magpies in the European elite competition on Wednesday. Just saying those two words lights him up. It has become a tough year for the club, due in part to the requirements of being here. Defeated late on in the weekend clash, they have won only one of their last eight matches and been defeated by Arsenal and the German side in the continental stage. Yet, look at the overall situation, the memorable evenings and upcoming events, and there’s a kind of quiet appreciation within him.
In the three years since he had returned to the club, the striker has been a final four contender in Europe, stopped at the gates the showpiece event by United, and has traveled on a traditional boat up the Nervión estuary flanked by countless supporters after securing the Spanish cup, the first title in a long wait. Currently he stands as the top goal-getter in the Champions League, where they are distinctive and making their first appearance in a decade. “I couldn’t have pictured this,” he states.
He considered it challenging enough just to make the first team and that proved true. As the child of the ex-La Real star his father and a dedicated fan at the club that are now his rivals, the forward is a graduate of Antiguoko, the Donostiarra team that nurtured the Arsenal manager, the legendary midfielder and the Bournemouth manager. His move to Athletic came at 17 but after making his senior debut in August 2018, he suffered a torn cruciate, being released, a relegation and a return before he could finally secure an opportunity, making his comeback to live the best days of their lives.
“Joining the setup doubting you’ll make the top level but with every stage you advance through you’re remaining and you can notice the proximity. You get there but … you’re sent away.” He featured briefly in six matches in half a dozen appearances between his debut and that period. “Then I was sent to the filial [Bilbao Athletic, the Under-23s]. Several appearances at that level and I suffered the ACL injury.
“It was a huge blow but I reflect on it as a turning point because it shifted the outlook. The rehabilitation process is difficult, but it aids growth. You cultivate routines new to you. Previously I was casual, but I did the sessions and then go home, typical youth behavior. At Lezama, all resources are available, so utilize it all. Work, precaution. Hit the weights. Should your hips be uneven, correct it. With decent ankle function, improve it more. All those ‘silly things’: execute them.
“Among professionals you’re going to collide with opponents who have experienced contact 200,000 times. They’re so strong. Seeing previous pictures: my legs are chicken legs. Injuries are inevitable. Look at pictures of me now and the improvement is clear. The setback taught me. Training finishes, but additional work remains. Peers are prepared, really ready; no exceptions.”
You also have to play. He left upset in 2020, in his early twenties, dropping into the second division. At Sabadell in 2020-21, he scored three times in 40 games. At Amorebieta in the second half of 2021-22, the he found his form. “Many experience this: transfers, releases. With a turnaround, work, believe, and should the time come they need someone in your position, a return could happen. You have to be ready. Upon the recall, it was a dream come true. Lifting the cup, compete continentally, and make the UCL … pfff.”
No wonder he says this is to be enjoyed. All the more so after the prior campaign which, at times, was involved suffering. Previously the main threat with sixteen goals, his output dropped to seven in {15 games more|additional matches|
