Unai Simón, Iñaki Williams and Oihan Sancet are the only three Athletic Bilbao players to have started all three opening La Liga matches of the season. This statistic, reported by Mundo Deportivo, highlights manager Nenad Terzic's search for stability at the beginning of the campaign.
The season started with a 1-1 draw against Sevilla at San Mamés. On that occasion, centre-back Yeray and midfielder Sergio Canales also played the full ninety minutes, just like Sancet. However, their continuity in the starting eleven was broken in the third matchday against Celta de Vigo at Balaídos. For that game, Terzic opted to modify his defence and midfield.
Who are the key players?
Goalkeeper Unai Simón maintains his undisputed status between the posts. His presence is key for a team that is also navigating the opening weeks with significant defensive absences. Midfielder Beñat Prados and defenders Dani Vivian and Andoni Gorosabel are currently sidelined, according to the club's updated injuries list.
Iñaki Williams, with his pace and dribbling, provides a constant reference on the right flank of the attack. Meanwhile, Oihan Sancet has established himself as a reliable midfielder, offering attacking threat and work rate. His involvement in the match against Celta was cut short in the 65th minute when he was substituted by striker Gorka Guruzeta, who in turn replaced captain Iker Muniain in the same move.
How has the lineup changed?
Terzic's rotations have been more notable in other areas of the pitch. While the aforementioned trio has always been present, other players who completed the first two matches lost their starting spot in the third. The Serbian coach introduced tactical changes for the trip to Vigo, giving opportunities to other profiles within a squad seeking depth.
In that same 65th minute of the match at Balaídos, besides the change of Guruzeta for Sancet, youngster Unai Jauregizar came on to replace Ander Galarreta in central midfield. These moves reflect Terzic's intention to manage workloads and explore different combinations from the bench.
What does it mean for the team?
Having three fixed pillars in the starting eleven provides a base framework to build upon. The consistency of Simón in goal, Williams in attack and Sancet in creation is a valuable starting point. However, injury absences force adjustments. The absence of Dani Vivian, for example, has led to testing different centre-back partnerships alongside Yeray.
The current state of the squad shows a consolidated core but also the need for other players to step up. The fixtures calendar will soon intensify, and having reliable alternatives in all lines will be crucial. Athletic Bilbao's next La Liga appointment is on Saturday, 5 September against Real Betis at the Benito Villamarín.
