Valverde's target at Athletic Club

This player arrived as a big bet from the club, but his performance is far from what was expected.

Héctor Andreu | 12 Apr 2026 | 09.45
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Valverde points to Jesús Areso / RTVE.es
Valverde points to Jesús Areso / RTVE.es

La Liga
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Athletic Club Osasuna
21/04/26 19:00:00
1.91 3.40 4.20

Jesús Areso is going through his most delicate moment since landing at Athletic de Bilbao, and his situation has raised doubts in the midst of a crucial stretch of LaLiga.

The right-back, who arrived with high expectations after his signing, has been losing prominence in Ernesto Valverde's plans. His recent absence is not by chance.

The match against Villarreal at San Mamés has served as a competitive barometer for the rojiblanco team. But it has also sent a clear signal about Areso's immediate future.

Jesús Areso loses Ernesto Valverde's trust

Ernesto Valverde's decision to leave Jesús Areso out for technical reasons has been interpreted as a direct message. The coach is looking for immediate performance.

In a context where Athletic de Bilbao is playing for their European aspirations in LaLiga, there is no room for doubts or irregularities in the starting eleven.

The full-back has not managed to establish himself despite the opportunities. His performances have been intermittent, far from the expected level following the club's investment.

Valverde has opted for more reliable alternatives. He has even improvised with defensive profiles out of position, demonstrating the loss of confidence in Areso.

Jesús Areso's performance below expectations

Jesús Areso's numbers reflect an inconsistent season. He has participated in 33 games but only started in 17, failing to establish himself in the scheme.

In several key matches in LaLiga, his impact has been limited. Lack of defensive assertiveness and little offensive depth have marked his performance.

Athletic de Bilbao expected more from a player who arrived with potential. However, he has not managed to stand out in a demanding position.

Internal competition has also not been in his favor. The return of teammates and Ernesto Valverde's preference for other solutions have marginalized him.

Athletic de Bilbao seeks defensive solutions

The return of players like Gorosabel has changed the scenario. His presence offers guarantees and experience in a critical moment of the season.

Additionally, the use of center-backs adapted to the full-back position has been a constant. Valverde prioritizes defensive balance in this final stretch of LaLiga.

The coach hinted at this in a press conference. He seeks immediate performance and does not rule out repeating strategies if the team responds well on the field.

Arseño, singled out at Athletic

Ernesto Valverde does not close the door but demands more

Although Jesús Areso's situation is complicated, Ernesto Valverde does not definitively rule him out. Nevertheless, the margin for error is minimal.

The player needs to react if he wants to regain prominence at Athletic de Bilbao. The calendar's demands do not allow for long processes.

Each decision by the coach is a response to the competitive urgency. The team still aims for Europe, and any detail can make the difference.

A signing that begins to raise doubts

The club's investment makes the case particularly sensitive. Jesús Areso was supposed to be a piece for the present and the future.

However, his performance has fallen short of expectations. The label of disappointing signing is starting to emerge in the rojiblanco environment.

In elite football, the context rules. And at this moment in LaLiga, Athletic de Bilbao cannot afford to bet on players lacking consistency.

Jesús Areso's future will depend on his ability to respond. But today, his role has radically changed within the team.

Jesús Areso is no longer a secure bet but rather an uncertainty in a team that needs certainties to fight for Europe.

This news is an automatic translation. You can read the original news, El señalado de Valverde en el Athletic

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