Vesga

Hard-working central midfielder Mikel Vesga adds a dynamic, physical presence to Athletic Club’s midfield. Over recent years, he has matured as a player, becoming a far more consistent performer. 

The Vitoria-born footballer first came to Lezama back in 2014/15, heading straight into Bilbao Athletic and becoming a vital cog in Kuko Ziganda’s side that won promotion to the Segunda División. 

He made his first-team debut in 2016/17, but after being unable to break into the team, he spent the rest of that season on loan at Sporting Gijón. He returned to San Mamés in 17/18, but again struggled to make an impact, so in 2018/19 he was sent to CD Leganés.

A solid run of starts in Madrid allowed Mikel to get to grips with life in the Primera and in 2019/20 he came back to Athletic a much better player.

Besides being tall and powerful, there is more to Vesga than his physical qualities. He is assured in possession and offers a lot going forward. He’s an extremely useful player, especially as his natural left foot gives the midfield a lot of balance. 

Mikel is also a penalty expert, having scored several times from the spot, including in last year's Copa final shootout.