Among Athletic Club fans, Gernika-born striker Asier Villalibre is better known as ‘The Buffalo’. It is a tribute to his physique and powerful running style. Watching our bearded beast bossing his way through defences is a sight to behold. 

But Asier is more than a battering ram, throughout his time at Athletic Club he has demonstrated that he is an astute and skilful striker.

Villalibre is deceptively quick and a fine finisher. His goal against Granada CF at San Mamés in 2020-21 a perfect example of the danger he poses when given space in the box.

Asier made his Athletic Club first-team debut against SD Eibar back in 2016 but took a while to find his feet. The striker had loan spells with CD Numancia, Real Valladolid and Lorca FC before coming home and finding his best form with Bilbao Athletic. 

In 2018-19, he scored a record 23 goals for the reserve team, beating the 22-goal record Patxi Salinas set in 1984. 

Asier got his maiden Athletic Club first-team goals with a brace against Sestao River in the Copa del Rey. He followed this up with his first LaLiga goal in a match against RCD Espanyol. 

2020-21 was a year of steady improvement, with the forward regularly leading the line with tireless performances. However, 2021-22 was a tough season for Asier, the striker's playing time was greatly reduced due to a series of hamstring injuries suffered early in the season.

Asier is now back to full fitness and looking to impress new head coach Ernesto Valverde. Athletic Club fans are hoping that the Buffalo will keep improving and score plenty of goals in 2022-23.