A recurring problem for Athletic Bilbao, analysis by
By OnzeActu · · 4 min read
Athletic Bilbao still encounters difficulties in achieving success against solid defenses which retreat into their camp. This structural problem, which is not new, has manifested itself since the retirement of the emblematic scorer Aduriz, leaving an unfilled void within the squad.
According to Mundodeportivo.
Why it matters
Athletic Bilbao, an iconic LaLiga club, faces a persistent finishing challenge, a problem that has intensified since the retirement of Aritz Aduriz. This inability to score against well-organized defenses could jeopardize their league ambitions, as points are crucial in a competition as competitive as LaLiga. The situation also highlights the need for the club to find a striker capable of making a difference.
Key points
- A recurring problem for Athletic Bilbao, analysis by.
- Athletic Bilbao still finds it difficult to achieve success against strong defenses that retreat into their camp.
- Un problema conocido, por Iñaki Ugalde.
Last Saturday, Athletic Bilbao once again demonstrated that it has a serious offensive problem, especially against teams who position themselves in a low block and defend fiercely. This difficulty in opening the score against grouped defenses is far from being specific to the Basque club, because other teams known for locking down their zone make the task complex for their opponents. However, for Athletic, this problem seems to be a long-term problem, well beyond the sole management of coach Terzic.
We have to go back to the days of Marcelino Valverde to realize that this weakness, which affects the ability to close the slightest space in the opponent's area, is an old struggle. Since the retirement of Aritz Aduriz, who was the club's emblematic finisher, Athletic has struggled to field a zone “killer” who could swing the result. Since then, the collective has organized itself to distribute the task of finishing between several players, without decisive success.
Image
Players like Guruzeta tried to take over, sometimes proving decisive, while other elements like Iñaki Williams or Sancet also experienced periods where their performances in front of goal were noticed. However, despite these individual individual efforts, the problem seems structural. It is not limited to the current coach or to a single season.
Terzic continues to rely on an attacking trio made up of Iñaki Williams, Guruzeta and Maroan, but none of them have yet managed to unlock their goal counter this season. In this context, it becomes clear that the rest of the team must absolutely support the quest for goals. This includes not missing crucial opportunities, such as a penalty in favor, which could change the dynamic of the match.
This absence of a real reference scorer worries supporters and complicates the club's quest for success, especially in a championship as competitive as LaLiga. The solution could come from the development of young talents or a tactical adjustment to free up more scoring opportunities. For now, Athletic Bilbao must continue to find its way to overcome this recurring challenge, otherwise it will see this weakness compromise its ambitions in the league and cup.
The rest
Athletic Bilbao will need to continue to explore offensive solutions, relying on players like Guruzeta and Iñaki Williams to try to break this goal curse. Coach Terzic may have to adjust his strategy to better exploit the flaws in opposing defenses. The next meetings will be crucial to assess whether the team can finally overcome this structural problem and find the net again.
Frequently asked questions
What problem has Athletic Bilbao encountered recently?
Athletic Bilbao demonstrated a serious offensive problem, especially against teams that defend as a unit.
Who analyzed the situation of Athletic Bilbao?
The situation was analyzed by Iñaki Ugalde.
Why does this offensive problem persist for Athletic Bilbao?
This problem seems to be long-term and is not limited to the current coach, Terzic.
What so
nt the consequences of Aritz Aduriz's departure for Athletic Bilbao?
Since the retirement of Aritz Aduriz, Athletic has struggled to find an effective finisher.
Which players are mentioned as part of Athletic Bilbao's attack?
The players mentioned are Iñaki Williams, Guruzeta and Maroan.