I'm almost a bit shocked this lads name hasn't been brought up.
I've taken the effort this season, upon purchasing GolTV on a years subscription, to watch the Spanish league... although like in England, it seems like it's a 2-horse race, the league seems to have upped the ante for the first time in awhile, not since Beckham was in Real white did I regularily watch the Spanish league, and it's safe to say then that mid-table match-ups arent what they used to be... they're fantastic.
I'm a huge English and French football enthusiast, so anything in Spain or happens in Spain is restricted to match reports or replays... but this year, different story.
I decided to dwell into the surprise package from the early start, Athletic Bilbao, and their clash against Espanyol.
Rewind to August 30th
His name is Iker Muniain, and on the surface it seems clear: A strong but small forward with brilliant physical traits, a technical game to be in awe of, an eye for creativity and a edge for goal. He appeared to posess the Spanish flair and looked composed as a player who's well into their career.
I was in awe, after observing him coming off the pitch, that the announcer said he was "the youngest player to have donned the club's shirt in the league."
16, yes, 16 years old, running and taking control of the game, and influencing the oppositions defensive units by attracting double teams, and breaking down midfields with a deceptive touch.
To my dissapointment I had to wait 73 minutes for his appearence against Espanyol, but even with the match down to a snails pace, Muniain came in and injected a youthful energy, creating chances and nearly adding a second to their 1-0 winning scoreline.
In an age where young players grab headlines, and I reluctantly decline to believe the hype, this lad has taken control of my football observations, and hopefully we see more of him, in the likes of a big club, soon.
Anyone else watch this lad?
I've taken the effort this season, upon purchasing GolTV on a years subscription, to watch the Spanish league... although like in England, it seems like it's a 2-horse race, the league seems to have upped the ante for the first time in awhile, not since Beckham was in Real white did I regularily watch the Spanish league, and it's safe to say then that mid-table match-ups arent what they used to be... they're fantastic.
I'm a huge English and French football enthusiast, so anything in Spain or happens in Spain is restricted to match reports or replays... but this year, different story.
I decided to dwell into the surprise package from the early start, Athletic Bilbao, and their clash against Espanyol.
Rewind to August 30th
His name is Iker Muniain, and on the surface it seems clear: A strong but small forward with brilliant physical traits, a technical game to be in awe of, an eye for creativity and a edge for goal. He appeared to posess the Spanish flair and looked composed as a player who's well into their career.
I was in awe, after observing him coming off the pitch, that the announcer said he was "the youngest player to have donned the club's shirt in the league."
16, yes, 16 years old, running and taking control of the game, and influencing the oppositions defensive units by attracting double teams, and breaking down midfields with a deceptive touch.
To my dissapointment I had to wait 73 minutes for his appearence against Espanyol, but even with the match down to a snails pace, Muniain came in and injected a youthful energy, creating chances and nearly adding a second to their 1-0 winning scoreline.
In an age where young players grab headlines, and I reluctantly decline to believe the hype, this lad has taken control of my football observations, and hopefully we see more of him, in the likes of a big club, soon.
Anyone else watch this lad?
