‘All those little things – make sure you do them’: Guruzeta’s path from injury table to goals with the Basque club

The first time the Athletic striker competed in the UK, an teenage appearing for the youth squad against Bundesliga youth at Wycombe’s stadium in September 2015, he hit the target. On his next visit he took the field in England, against the Black Cats following that, he converted. His third outing, against the Citizens not long later, indeed, he scored again. When he returned to the northwest to play against the Red Devils at the sports complex in 2017, he did it once more. An excellent finish, too. “Truly,” he remarks, “it’s a top-class goal I’ve ever scored.” Thus the club did what was necessary: they took him off.

“I became very upset,” the forward reveals, before breaking into laughter. “There must be a video somewhere. Our match against United and I was in fine form. They didn’t let me play the second half: I hadn’t yet signed my contract, goals were flowing, many stories circulated, you know how it is. No confirmation on interest from Newcastle, but I recall seeing about Manchester United, the usual talk. I’m not certain if it was accurate, but even if they had called, my desire was to remain at Athletic. It’s a privilege.”

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At the facility, Bilbao, the day’s first practice is ready to commence; following that, the quick travel to Loiu airport and another trip to the UK, on this occasion to take on the Magpies in the European elite competition on the upcoming match. Mentioning that phrase makes Guruzeta smile. It’s turning out to be a challenging campaign for the team, partially owing to the demands of being here. Losing in stoppage time in the local rivalry, they have won only one of their last eight matches and been defeated by Arsenal and the German side in the continental stage. But, take in the big picture, the big nights he has lived and future challenges, and he feels a calm gratitude about him.

In the 36 months since he had rejoined the team, Gorka has been a final four contender in Europe, prevented from reaching a final at home by the English giants, and has ridden an historic vessel along the Nervión river accompanied by a million fans after securing the Spanish cup, the team’s initial silverware in a long wait. Currently he stands as Athletic’s top scorer in the European competition, where they are unique and debuting in a long period. “I couldn’t have pictured this,” he states.

The player believed it difficult enough just to earn a spot and his assessment was correct. The son of the one-time rival player his father and a season ticket holder at the opposition side, Guruzeta is a product of Antiguoko, the San Sebastián club that developed the Arsenal manager, the former star and the tactician. His move to Athletic came at seventeen but after his first-team bow in August 2018, he suffered a serious knee problem, being released, a demotion and a return before he could finally secure an opportunity, making his comeback to enjoy the highlights of the club’s history.

“Entering the youth system doubting you’ll make the top level but every phase you progress through you’re remaining and you can see it getting closer. You make it and … you’re sent away.” He had limited game time in six games between his debut and that period. “And then I go back down to the filial [Bilbao Athletic, the Under-23s]. A few matches at that level and my knee gave way.

“A massive setback but In retrospect as a beneficial experience because it made me change the outlook. Recovering from a long-term injury is hard, but it’s beneficial. You adopt practices previously lacking. It’s not about neglect, but I would go to training and then head home, like when you’re a kid. At Lezama, facilities are comprehensive, so do everything. Practice, prevention. Strength training. Should your hips be uneven, correct it. If your ankles are a 10, make it a 12 or a 14. All the minor details: execute them.

“Among professionals you’re going to face physical challenges who have crashed into players 200,000 times. They’re so strong. Reviewing old images: I had slender legs. So what happens, happens. Look at pictures of me now and it’s totally different. Injury made me see that. Training finishes, but additional work remains. Teammates are set, really ready; you have to be too.”

Game time is essential. He left in tears in the pandemic season, in his early twenties, dropping into the second division. With Sabadell in the 20-21 campaign, he got three strikes in forty appearances. During his Amorebieta stint in the following period, the goals started to flow. “Many experience this: loans, terminated contracts. Should you reverse it, effort, faith, 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. The trophy success, European football, and reach the Champions League … pfff.”

Little surprise he states savor the moment. All the more so after the prior campaign which, at times, was focused on persistence. From top scorer with a high tally, last season he got seven in {15 games more|additional matches|