Athletic’s centre-forwards remain scoreless in La Liga as Guruzeta calls for respect

Athletic’s centre-forwards have yet to find the net in La Liga. Ahead of the match against Rayo Vallecano, Guruzeta says the team’s attacking struggles should not lead to the forwards alone being judged. “Being singled out is not the word, but it is true that people often look only at the striker’s position,” he told Cope Bilbao. He said he deserved “perhaps a little more respect” for his goal-scoring performances in recent years, while stressing that he is very happy at Athletic.

The team’s goals have come from other players: Robert Navarro has scored twice, while Paredes, Berenguer, Nico Williams and Sancet have scored once each. An Elche own goal completes the tally. Nico Williams and Sancet will be absent at Vallecas after picking up injuries during the international break.

Guruzeta, Iñaki Williams and Maroan, the three players used up front during the first six La Liga matchdays, are not among the scorers. After Maroan’s goal in the EH Txapela, Terzic had nevertheless stressed that everyone at Athletic was “invited” to contribute. Guruzeta would like to “score in every match”, though he knows that is “impossible”. His aim, he said, is to “stay close enough to help the team”.

The question of Guruzeta’s role in attack comes as Athletic’s forward reference against Rayo Vallecano remains undecided. Iñaki Williams has filled that role in the last four matches, while Maroan has made only three brief appearances off the bench. Guruzeta also says competition with Williams has always been present since his return to Athletic, and that Iñaki was the starter when he arrived.

Last season, Guruzeta scored 17 goals across all competitions, setting a personal best. He says he expected Terzic’s selections, as the coach likes to move attacking players around, through the middle or out wide. Defensively, his pressing has changed somewhat compared with Valverde’s instructions; in attack, however, the demands remain similar: stay close to the penalty area and score.