Berenguer knocks on the door of the starting XI again: Nico Williams' situation could open the way

Athletic Club

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Álex Berenguer
2.840.000€-20.000€4

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Berenguer has lost his place in the starting XI over the past few weeks, but he has not been out of the coach's plans. The Navarrese has featured in all six La Liga matchdays, although his three most recent appearances came as a substitute. Nico Williams' situation could again change that minutes distribution when the competition resumes.

The Athletic player has already shown at the start of the season that he can take on different roles. He started against Sevilla and ended up playing as left-back after Yuri's sending off. His standout performance came at Balaídos, where he made it 0-1 with an individual action and completed the match with a notable attacking presence.

His move to the bench has not stopped him from getting involved in dangerous moments either. Against Atlético, he came on in the 66th minute and was close to connecting with a cross from Johaneko. Against Elche, he replaced Robert Navarro in the 72nd minute and his shot ended up causing an own goal by Víctor Chust that made it 1-1. Against Alavés, he again appeared in the second half as an attacking alternative.

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Robert Navarro
3.210.000€-550.000€6

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The question now shifts to the return from the break. If Nico Williams needs more time to recover, Berenguer will have a new chance to fight for a starting spot. Terzic also has other options, such as keeping Iñaki Williams and Robert Navarro on the wings and using Guruzeta as the striker.

The versatility of Berenguer expands the coach's possibilities when it comes to reshaping the attacking front. His potential return to the starting XI will ultimately depend on how Nico Williams progresses and on how the coach chooses to arrange the pieces for the attack.