‘All those little things – make sure you do them’: The striker’s journey from gurney to goals with Athletic Bilbao
Whenhe first time Gorka Guruzeta played in the UK, an 18-year-old playing for the youth squad against Bundesliga youth at Adams Park in fall 2015, he scored. The second time he played in England, against Sunderland following that, he scored. Another occasion, against Pep Guardiola’s team soon after, well, he repeated the feat. Upon his comeback to the northwest to play against the Red Devils at Leigh’s ground in the 2017 season, he scored again. A spectacular strike, as well. “Actually,” he says, “it’s one of the best goals I’ve ever scored.” Therefore the team did their duty: they substituted him.
“I was furious,” the attacker reveals, then chuckling. “I’m sure there’s footage. Our match against United and I was pretty good. I wasn’t allowed to feature the second half: I hadn’t yet signed my contract, I kept finding the net, speculation was rife, it’s typical. I don’t know about the Magpies’ pursuit, but I recall seeing about Manchester United, the usual talk. It’s unclear how true it was, but supposing an offer came, I’d have chosen to stay at Bilbao. I feel lucky to be here.”
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At the training ground, Bilbao, the day’s first practice is set to begin; following that, the quick travel to Loiu airport and a further journey to Britain, this time to face Newcastle in the UCL on the upcoming match. Uttering the name lights him up. This is proving a tough year for the club, due in part to the pressures of competing at this level. Losing in stoppage time in the derby on Saturday, they have won only one of their past eight league games and fallen to the Gunners and the German side in European competition. However, consider the broader view, the memorable evenings and future challenges, and a sense of thankful reflection about him.
In the the period since he had come back to Athletic, Guruzeta has been a final four contender in Europe, stopped at the gates a final at home by Manchester United, and has boarded a decades-old barge through the waterway accompanied by a huge crowd after lifting the trophy, the first title in four decades. He’s now the top goal-getter in the European competition, where they are distinctive and debuting in ten years. “I never imagined this,” he admits.
Guruzeta thought it hard enough just to break into the senior squad and that proved true. Born to the one-time rival player his father and a regular attendee at the club that are now his rivals, the forward is a graduate of Antiguoko, the San Sebastián club that developed Mikel Arteta, Xabi Alonso and the Bournemouth manager. He joined Athletic at his teens but after his first-team bow in August 2018, he experienced a serious knee problem, being released, a drop in category and a return before he could truly get a chance, making his comeback to live the best days of his career.
“You go into the academy not expecting to reach the top level but each step you go through you’re still there and you can notice the proximity. You get there but … you’re sent away.” He had limited game time in half a dozen appearances between his bow and that period. “Then I was sent to the filial [Bilbao Athletic, the Under-23s]. Several appearances 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 way I saw things. The rehabilitation process is difficult, but it helps. You develop habits you didn’t have. It’s not that you don’t look after yourself, but I did the sessions and then head home, like when you’re a kid. In the facility, all resources are available, so do everything. Work, precaution. Hit the weights. If your hips aren’t balanced, work on that. If your ankles are a 10, make it a 12 or a 14. All the minor details: execute them.
“In the first team you’re going to crash into players who have been in battles repeatedly. Extremely powerful. Reviewing old images: my physique was slight. Injuries are inevitable. Current photos and it’s totally different. Recovery revealed that. Training finishes, but additional work remains. Peers are prepared, really ready; the same applies.”
You also have to play. He left upset in the pandemic season, in his early twenties, dropping into the second division. During his Sabadell spell in that season, he netted three goals in forty appearances. During his Amorebieta stint in the second half of 2021-22, the he found his form. “Players go through it: temporary moves, ended deals. If you turn it round, work, believe, and if one day they need someone in your position, a return could happen. Preparation is key. Upon the recall, a fantasy realized. Lifting the cup, play in Europe, and reach the Champions League … pfff.”
No wonder he says savor the moment. Especially after last year which, at times, was about endurance. From top scorer with a high tally, he managed seven in {15 games more|additional matches|
