Yeray Alvarez

Alvarez made a strong return in 2024/25 after an injury-hit prior season, providing leadership and sharp positional play at the heart of Athletic's defense. His anticipation and calm under pressure restored stability to a back line that lacked his presence in 2023/24 and became one of the best in La Liga, highlighted by the 10 clean sheets Alvarez contributed to. With full fitness and a clean preseason behind him, Alvarez will enter 2025/26 ready to push for an even better campaign. If he can reach 25-plus starts similar to 2022/23, another double-digit clean sheet season is possible.