Many of you may have only become aware of Iker Muniain during Athletic Bilbao’s clash with Manchester United in the Europa League, others may have seen him at last years U-21 European Championship where his Spain side lifted the trophy but for those that regulary watch La Liga you will know what a talent he is. At only 19 years of age he still has a lot of football still to play but he’s already made over 100 Athletic appearances.
So how special is this kid? In my eyes, extremely. He has pace, vision, flair and can finish. Athletic Bilbao are well known for their cantera policy, where only Basque players are eligible to play for the side. Youth players thrive under these rules as they get the minutes at a high level which aids their development. Muniain is just one of these players, but is incredibly gifted. His natural ability combined with the team he plays with and the chances he get are a cocktail for success. I truly believe Muniain to be one of Spain’s hottest prospect’s.
When Muniain made his Athletic debut in the Europa League qualifying match against BSC Young Boys back in 2009 he became the youngest player to appear for the Basque side, at only 16 years and 7 months. Exactly a week later he broke another record, becoming the youngest player to score for Athletic in an official match as his side turnt over their first leg deficit and qualified for the playoff rounds. One month after his first appearance he broke another record, becoming Athletic’s youngest ever player to appear in La Liga. In his first season he notched up 35 appearances and 6 goals, quite a debut season.
18 years old and he grabbed his first International appearance for the Under-21 side. Then he was selected for the squad for the U-21 European Championships, appearing in every game as Spain won the tournament. Earlier this year he was called up to the senior squad and made his debut 5 days later. A cameo apperance, coming on for Cesc Fabregas in the 74th minute, but it’s not going to be his last. I’ll be extremely surprised if he isn’t in the Spain squad for the European Championship’s this summer, while the Olympics may present another chance for us to see his ability.
Mark my words, if he stays on his current path he will be huge. His game suits the way Bilbao play and he presents a great attacking outlet for any side. He’s always looking to make a difference, giving it 100% throughout the match. I’m expecting him to move on from Athletic, which is a shame. Obviously as a Athletic fan I want him to stay forever, but I know that’s unlikely. Big clubs will be sniffing around but I hope they don’t take him too early, he doesn’t deserve to go to a big club and sit on the bench. Perhaps a club like Arsenal, who are renowned for their youth development system, could swoop in in the next season or two – set him up with a loan move (perhaps in La Liga) and keeps a close eye on how he develops. If they don’t act, his price-tag is only likely to grow and grow.
He’s better than that. Iker Muniain, in my opinion, is Spain’s hottest talent right now and can become a huge player for club and on the International stage. His name could be known worldwide and I can’t wait until it is.
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It is ok, if only Wenga could do business wit bibiao.