Athletic thrash Burgos: Areso, Robert Navarro and Iñaki Williams stood out in the match
Athletic Club continues to move forward in its preparations for the new season. The red-and-white side beat Burgos 0-3 at El Plantío, in a 120-minute friendly that allowed the team to manage workloads and test different options. Jesús Areso, Robert Navarro and Iñaki Williams scored the goals in a game that offered several interesting fantasy takeaways.
Athletic Club
The Athletic carried the weight of the match from the opening minutes and took the lead thanks to Jesús Areso. The right-back again showed his ability to join the attack, arriving from second line and finishing the move with a powerful shot.
Burgos tried to respond and forced Alejandro Padilla into action to prevent the draw, although the Bilbao side kept control. The red-and-white team did not concede too many chances and once again showed defensive confidence.
After the first hour, there were plenty of changes and Athletic increased its dominance. Robert Navarro made the most of a good combination with Canales to score the 0-2, while Iñaki Williams wrapped up the result by arriving at the far post.
The scoreline could even have been wider, but Ander Cantero made several impressive saves to prevent a bigger rout.
Fantasy conclusions from the match
Jesús Areso makes a case at right-back
Jesús Areso1.300.000€+130.000€ 1
DFAreso was one of the standout players in the friendly. Besides the goal, he had an attacking presence and showed plenty of ease in getting into forward positions. His ability to create crosses, shots and actions in the opponent's half could make him an interesting defender in systems that reward statistics.
His situation during pre-season will need to be monitored closely, but performances like this can boost his appeal and also his market value.
Robert Navarro wants to earn a spot
Robert Navarro800.000€+40.000€ -
MDThe midfielder made the most of his minutes and scored a good goal after combining with Canales. Robert Navarro can offer attacking thrust, mobility and a final pass, although he will have to compete for minutes in a position with plenty of competition.
For now, he could be an interesting option to speculate on if he keeps an affordable price, but his role in the next friendlies will need to be checked.
Iñaki Williams returns with a goal
Williams4.860.000€+500.000€ 4
DLIñaki Williams needed only a few minutes to get off the mark during pre-season. The forward appeared at the far post to score the third and once again showed that he remains a threat when attacking spaces.
He starts with an advantage in the race for an important role in Athletic's attack. His consistency, his ability to add goals and assists, and his status as a regular starter keep him among the most recommended names in the squad.
Alejandro Padilla makes the most of his chance
Álex Padilla170.000€ 3
PTThe goalkeeper responded well in Burgos's most dangerous moment and finished his spell without conceding. Padilla continues to leave good impressions when he gets minutes, although his fantasy recommendation is clear when his competition is the best goalkeeper from last year's World Cup.
Sancet and Maroan, without a goalscoring role
Oihan Sancet and Maroan Sannadi were part of the first team used by the coach, but neither managed to get directly involved in the goals. There is no need for concern, as this is a preparation match and there is still plenty of pre-season to go.
Sancet will continue to be one of Athletic's main fantasy assets thanks to his arrival in the box and his goalscoring ability. Maroan, meanwhile, will need to take advantage of the next games to gain ground within the attacking rotation.
Which Athletic players come out strengthened?
Jesús Areso was the name that strengthened his fantasy case the most thanks to his goal and his attacking presence. Robert Navarro also made the most of his minutes and could become an option to speculate on during the pre-season market.
Iñaki Williams confirmed that he remains one of the team's most reliable players, while Alejandro Padilla responded with confidence. In any case, friendlies should be assessed with caution: workload, rotations and constant changes heavily condition performance.
Technical details
Burgos CF: Ander Cantero; Lizancos, Grego Sierra, Oier Luengo, David Hernáiz; José Gragera, Curro Sánchez; Mateo Mejía, David González, Javi Llabrés; and Mollejo.
Also played: Iván Martínez, Galdames, Marcelo Expósito, Kevin Appin, Mario Cantero, Saúl del Cerro, Fermín, Brais Martínez, Alberto Dadie, Irian Ribas, Ethan, Diego González, Cristian, Héctor Royo, Pablo Sagredo and Hugo Sedano.
Athletic Club: Alejandro Padilla; Jesús Areso, Yeray Álvarez, Paredes, Yuri Berchiche; Jauregizar, Rego; Selton, Oihan Sancet, Berenguer; and Maroan Sannadi.
Also played: Iñaki Williams, Guruzeta, Ruiz de Galarreta, Adama Boiro, Nico Serrano, Robert Navarro, Canales, Gerenabarrena, Johaneko, Hugo Rincón, Monreal, Álex Padilla Santos and Álvaro Djaló.
Goals: 0-1, Jesús Areso, minute 14; 0-2, Robert Navarro, minute 63; 0-3, Iñaki Williams, minute 84.
Referee: Eder Mallo. Booked Paredes.
Venue: pre-season friendly played at El Plantío, split into four 30-minute periods.
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