What happened to... Beñat Etxebarria: magic from set pieces for Betis and Athletic
Let's start the week by talking about a fine Spanish midfielder who emerged from Athletic Club's inexhaustible youth system and who, in addition to playing for the Biscayan side, left a lasting impression on another storied classic of Spanish football. He's Beñat Etxebarria.
Who was he?: A Spanish midfielder from the 2000s and 2010s.
Why is he remembered?: Above all, for his successful spells at Betis and Athletic, where he excelled at free kicks, among other virtues, and for being a Spanish international.
What happened to him?: He retired in 2021 with Macarthur in the Australian Premier League. He just got his coaching license and is currently the Basque U-16 coach.
Did you know...?: Formed in the Athletic youth academy and despite having played a few minutes in the league with the first team, he did not find a place in the Bilbao club and at 21 he was loaned to Conquense.
- This team played in Group IV of the former Second Division B and in a match against Betis B he dazzled the Betis coaches, who signed him for the following season.
- He established himself at Betis thanks to his fine play and goals such as the winning goal, a direct free kick in the 90th minute, in a derby against Sevilla at the Pizjuán in 2012.
- Another memorable goal came against Real Madrid the following season in a 1-0 victory at the Villamarín.
- He was a set-piece specialist.
- His strong performances at Betis earned him a call-up to the Spanish national team, but the high level of competition and skill in his position meant he only played four matches for La Roja.
- Four years after his departure, Athletic signed him for 8 million euros.
- On the day of his re-debut with the Biscayan team, he scored a goal.
- He finished his career in Australia, playing with his teammate and friend Markel Susaeta.
- He is 1.76 meters tall.
Biography, achievements, statistics: Beñat Etxebarria Urkiaga was born on February 19, 1987, in Yurre, Vizcaya. Formed in the Athletic Club youth system, he made his debut with Basconia in 2005 and the following year played for Bilbao Athletic, although he did make his debut with the first team. In 2008, he was loaned to Conquense and signed by Betis the following year. After a season with the reserve team, he moved to the first team in 2010 and after three seasons, he returned to Athletic Club, where he spent the next seven seasons. In 2020, he signed for Macarthur FC in Australia, where he retired a year later. His trophy cabinet includes a Super Cup with Athletic Club. He played four matches for Spain.
See you tomorrow.
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