Vesga: “I want to keep improving and play regularly"

Athletic Club midfielder Mikel Vesga said he is pleased with his involvement and performances over the pre-season, hoping it will lead to consistent game time once the season begins.

The central midfielder has started in in four of the Lions' five warm-up fixtures so far, being used as a more of deep-lying midfielder, a role he feels suits his attributes.

"I'm playing in a position I haven't been in for a long time," Mikel told the media gathered at Lezama on Wednesday morning.

"But I feel very comfortable and confident in that role. I'm working hard to keep improving so I'm able to play regularly throughout the season. I think I'm getting there."

With a little less than two weeks before LaLiga 2022/23 kicks off, Vesga believes Los Rojiblancos have taken onboard what new head coach Ernesto Valverde wants from them.

He said: "The team looks good, motivated and full of confidence. I think we're adapting quickly to the coach's new concepts."

The player from Vitoria-Gasteiz made his debut under Ernesto Valverde six years ago and is happy to be re-united with his former boss.

"Valverde is a very personable coach and the team is really enjoying working with him," Vesga said. "He likes us to go forward, to play in the opposition's half. We've been working on new ideas in pressing and in our approach play."

As for Friday's derby against Real Sociedad in the Euskal Herria Txapela Final (Basque Cup), which will take place at Lasesarre, Barakaldo (20:45 CEST), Vesga said: "I'm sure it will be a special game for everyone. A derby is always special. And with it being a week before the start of LaLiga, I think it will be a very productive match."