Striker Quagmire

By: Elisa | August 25th, 2008

One of our biggest problems last season was goal production. Fernando LLorente, finally came good with 11 goals last season, the great promise. After Fernan with 7 goals was our boy, Aritz Aduriz. Not prolific, great jumping ability in the air, and always wears the shirt with pride and delivers very important goals. Remember two seasons ago when he scored 9 very important goals that helped Athletic secure safety?

Well Aritz is as good as gone. He is being sold to Mallorca for $6M Euros. The powers that be are crossing their t’s and dotting their i’s, but it’s nearly a done deal. Where does that leave the zurrigori? We purchased two new strikers, Toquero and Iñigo and have since loaned them out to Eibar and Numancia, respectively. Extebe, El Gallo is getting up there in age. He is now 30 years old. If LLorente produces like last year and Extebe partners up with him, and stays injury free. Susaeta could move into the hole. Perhaps? Maybe? I’m still nervous.

This news is very disconcerting. Both the socios and dressing room are not pleased that Artiz is being sold. Aritz has approved the move. (Who wouldn’t want to move to Mallorca?) And Artiz wants first team football, which is not guaranteed at Athletic. I’ll miss you Aritz. Your aerial powress and might. Bueno Suerte.

I will feel more comfortable about this transfer if the money will go to a strong left back and another striker. Who could we sign for $6M Euros? At left back, possibly, Monreal from Osasuna, Garrido from Man City, Yuri Berchiche from Tottenham or even Del Horno on loan from Valencia again. Strikers, well they have to be cheap, but Diaz de Cerio from Real Sociedad comes to mine. Or the youngster Asier Goiria from Eibar. But if we don’t put it to good use, then I am not sure if we really have improved the team from last year. Some may say we would be worst off. Let’s wait and see.

The loss of Aritz, will leave a big hole in our line up. But if we get a quality left back and another striker, then it is a move for the greater good of the team. Maybe youth team striker, Isma Lopez will also get first team opportunities as well. This is going to be a very interesting week.

OTHER NEWS

*We lost our last two pre-season friendlies.

Conquense 1-1 Athletic. The game went to penalties and Conquense pulled through 6-5 over Athletic.

Valladolid 5-2 Athletic. Athletic went 3 nil down in the first half with just poor defensive play. It looked like Athletic was back in the game when we scored two in the 2nd half, but alas no more.

I am not too concerned, let’s put it all behind us and start afresh. The real deal is coming up against Almeria this weekend. Aw Yeah!

*Eibar wants Tiko on loan. The unwanted, veteran midfielder would be a great addition to their team. For Tiko’s sake, I hope this happens. I know we have a lot of overpaid players on our books, but Tiko always gave his heart and soul for the team and deserves a chance to play football. He’s still only 31 years of age.

*Honor guard for newly retired ex-Athletic striker, Ismael Urzaiz. Isma will be given an honor guard and the opportunity to say good-bye to the fans and socios at San Mames. Isma has always been a quality and devoted player for Athletic. He joined the team in 1996 from Espanyol and played 11 seasons with the club. Last season he played with Ajax. It will be great to give Isma his due respect at the opening game.

LA FURIA ROUND UP

Andoni Iraola got some playing time in the second half, 15 minutes to be exact. Fernando Amorebieta did not play in the friendly against Denmark. All in all, I feel both players would fit in nicely with the National Team. If Del Bosque wants the midfield to attack more (IE Alonso, Capel, Senna along with Xavi etc) and the back line to hold tight, Andoni is your man at right back. Plus he is an excellent backup to Ramos. If Del Bosque wants the full backs to attack along the wings ( IE Ramos and Capdevila) and needs more speed back in central defense to coer, than Amore is your man. Amore has much more speed than Puyol and Marchena and he has superb ball control. Well, we shall see if our two Leones get another chance in the upcoming qualifier against Bosnia Herzegovina and Armenia in September.