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Leeds United would strike gold by making a move to sign this 30-year-old La Liga midfield ace – Here is why

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Leeds United manager Marcelo Bielsa. (Getty Images)

Leeds United Opinion: Why Leeds United should make a move for Ander Iturraspe

Leeds Live (h/t Marca) has reported that Leeds United have reiterated their interest in Athletic Bilbao midfielder Ander Iturraspe. The 30-year-old played regularly just over eight years ago under current Leeds boss Marcelo Bielsa, during the 63-year-old’s spell at Athletic Bilbao.

Bielsa spent two seasons at the club, marking the time he managed the most games in his managerial career.

The Basque side punched above their weight under Bielsa, finishing 10th and as a Europa League finalist in his first season. They ended up 12th in his second season. However, despite all that, Ander Iturraspe played an almost regular role as a midfielder.

However, things have worked out for both sides since then, with Bielsa going on to manage Marseille and Lazio before ending up at Leeds United. He has worked wonders with his current squad, which is currently sitting in third position in the Championship.

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Their form in recent weeks has seen the former league leaders slump out of the top spot and into third, with the recent loss to Sheffield United. That’s exactly why the Peacocks need Ander Iturraspe next season, especially if they manage to make the Premier League.

The Daily Star has already revealed that Iturraspe is ready to leave his boyhood club, with his current deal expiring at the end of the season. This makes a move more mouth-watering for Leeds, as it allows them to add an experienced star.

So far, Ander Iturraspe has managed to make 319 appearances over his tenure with the club but things have changed this term. The 30-year-old has made four appearances this season and that includes only three starts, having missed 28 games.

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It showcases just how much Athletic Bilbao value the midfielder and shows why Leeds United should make a move. Furthermore, Leeds need another midfielder in their ranks. The Peacocks have heavily depended on Kalvin Philips this season, with few others responding.

Eunan O’Kane and Mateusz Klich have both struggled alongside Philips, with only Forshaw stepping up. That is something that cannot continue and a player like Ander Iturraspe will help with rotation. An experienced player and someone who knows Marcelo Bielsa’s style of play and tactics well, Iturraspe would flourish once again at Leeds United.

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Conclusion

Whether or not Leeds United reach the Premier League, they need another midfielder to help back their team when the going gets tough. A tough, experienced and no-nonsense player like Ander Iturraspe is just the addition the Peacocks need and as a free transfer, it’s a move that needs to be made.

Athletic Bilbao

Who is Mar Garcia Tuero? Meet the wife of Marcelino

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Football manager Marcelino Garcia

Mar Garcia Tuero is a homemaker and is mainly known for being the wife of the current manager of La Liga club, Villarreal. Here is everything about the couple.

Tuero comes from Spain, and she is known for being the partner of one of the best managers, Marcelino. Mar Garcia is an introvert and doesn’t make public appearances. She likes to keep everything personal. Read on to learn more about her nationality, net worth, facts and family.

Mar Garcia Tuero and Marcelino Families  

Mar Garcia was born in 1970 in Spain, but her specific birth date has not been revealed, and there is not much information regarding her parents or even her other family members. Marcelino was born on 14 August 1965 in Villaviciosa, Spain, to Spanish parents. However, there is not much about his family as he maintains a really private life. Therefore, it is not evident whether he has a sibling or not. Both have not shared much about their family and personal lives.

Marcelino with his Wife Mar Garcia and son Sergio Garcia (Instagram)

Mar Garcia Tuero husband Marcelino

Marcelino is a former Spanish player who played as an attacking midfielder and is now the current manager of Athletic Bilbao. He was irregularly used in his first four professional seasons at Sporting de Gijon during his playing career. However, he did appear in a career-best 33 matches in La Liga. After spells in the Segunda Division, he first moved to the lower leagues with Elche CF and then retired in 1994 at only 28 due to injury. 

Marcelino started his coaching career with Segunda Division B with Sporting’s reserves. From 2003 to 2005, he was in charge of the first team. Then signed with fellow league team Recreativo de Huelva which led to promotion in his first season.

He once became the country’s best-paid manager at 2.4 million euros per year following the departure of Real Madrid’s Bernd Schuster. Marcelino was appointed at Sevilla FC for 2011-12 but was soon relieved from his duties as he couldn’t get a win in seven games. On 14 January 2013, he signed Villarreal and made his team go to the top flight and achieved three top-six finishes, including a fourth-place and a semi-final run in the UEFA Europa League in 2015-16.

Marcelino Garcia Toral is set to coach Marseille for the 2023/24 season. (Photo by Aitor Alcalde/Getty Images)
Marcelino Garcia Toral is set to coach Marseille for the 2023/24 season. (Photo by Aitor Alcalde/Getty Images)

He then signed Valencia and won the Copa del Rey in his second season, defeating FC Barcelona in the final held in Seville. Then, on 4 January 2021, Marcelino got appointed as the head coach of Athletic Bilbao, where he won the Supercopa de Espana defeating Real Madrid. 

He is set to coach the French giants Olympique de Marseille from the 2023/24 season after being without a club since May 2022. The club is having high confidence in winning trophies with the mastermind coach by their side.

Mar Garcia Tuero and Marcelino Kids

Mar Garcia and Marcelino have been together for more than two decades. However, the exact date of their marriage is not known. Nevertheless, she has always been supportive of her Spouse’s decisions. 

Tuero has been together with Marcelino through thick and thin. The couple has one son named Sergio Garcia, 30 years old now and working under his father as an assistant fitness coach. Sergio is often seen with his mother spending quality time and posting many pictures on social media. 

Marcelino with his son Sergio Garcia
Marcelino with his son Sergio Garcia (Instagram)

Mar Tuero Garcia Profession, Career, Net Worth 

Mar Tuero Garcia is a housemaker and has been Luis’s strength for an extended period. There is not much about her professional life as she maintains a low-key profile. There is no income for her, but she manages her husband’s ventures. She enjoys her time as a wife and mother.

However, she has a private life and has a private account on Instagram. There is no disclose of her net worth as well. Her husband is on Instagram with more than 30k followers and has a net of around $10 million approx.

Mar Tuero
Marcello’s wife Mar Garcia Tuero with her son (Instagram)

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Arsenal

Attacking Stats May Not Look Glamorous but Why Arsenal Are on the Verge of Winning Silverware Under Arteta

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Mikel Arteta

Arsenal‘s Champions League defensive statistics under Mikel Arteta reveal a team built for sustained success rather than spectacular headlines. The Gunners have conceded just 18 goals in 25 Champions League matches under the Spanish manager – a defensive solidity that forms the bedrock of their title ambitions.

The Foundation of Success

This defensive record averages 0.72 goals conceded per game, demonstrating the tactical discipline Arteta has instilled throughout his squad. While attacking statistics often dominate discussions, these defensive numbers suggest Arsenal have developed the mentality required for major trophy victories.

Athletic Bilbao vs. Arsenal Classy Message
Athletic Bilbao vs. Arsenal (via Pulse Sports Nigeria)

Championship-winning teams are typically built on defensive foundations rather than individual brilliance. Arsenal’s ability to limit high-quality European opposition to fewer than one goal per game indicates they possess the resilience needed during crucial knockout phases.

Tactical Maturation Under Mikel Arteta

The defensive record reflects Arsenal’s evolution from a talented but inconsistent side to a tactically mature unit capable of managing different game situations. Arteta’s emphasis on positional discipline and collective defending has transformed Arsenal into a team opponents struggle to break down.

This defensive improvement coincides with Arsenal’s return to Champions League semi-finals and their sustained Premier League title challenges. The correlation between defensive stability and competitive success cannot be overlooked.

Arsenal’s Championship Mentality

Teams that consistently limit goals conceded typically possess the mental strength required for silverware. Arsenal’s defensive statistics suggest they have developed the game management skills essential during pressure moments of major finals.

Mikel Arteta Secret Weapon Liverpool Manchester City
Mikel Arteta (Via The Independent)

While attacking flair captures attention, Arsenal’s defensive foundations provide the platform for sustained success. These numbers indicate Arteta has built a team genuinely capable of delivering the club’s first major trophy since 2020.

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Arsenal

NEVER BEFORE: Insane ‘1st Ever’ Stat About Gabriel Martinelli and Leandro Trossard Goes Viral After Athletic Club Win

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Gabriel Martinelli and Leandro Trossard Arsenal insane stat Athletic Club

Gabriel Martinelli and Leandro Trossard created a unique piece of Arsenal history during Tuesday’s 2-0 Champions League victory over Athletic Bilbao, becoming the first substitute pair in the club’s European history to assist each other’s goals.

Read More: Arsenal Player Ratings vs. Athletic Club: Gabriel Martinelli Saves the Day After 36-Second Super Sub Strike

The Record-Breaking Sequence Featuring Gabriel Martinelli and Leandro Trossard

Both players entered the game at 0-0 during the 65th and 71st minutes respectively. Just 36 seconds after his introduction, Martinelli found the breakthrough following Trossard’s perfectly weighted pass, setting a new Arsenal record for the fastest substitute goal in Champions League competition.

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The Belgian international’s assist demonstrated remarkable vision and composure under pressure at San Mamés. His inch-perfect through ball allowed Martinelli to race clear and finish clinically past Athletic goalkeeper Unai Simón.

Read More: City Boss Pep Guardiola Joins Arsenal Icons in Historic United Record – Number 3 Will Surprise You

Returning the Favor

Martinelli repaid Trossard’s kindness in the 87th minute, cutting the ball back from the byline to set up Arsenal’s insurance goal. Trossard’s subsequent strike took a fortuitous deflection over Simon to seal the victory and complete this historic double act.

The mutual assistance between substitutes represents something unprecedented in Arsenal’s extensive Champions League history. According to BBC Match of the Day statistics, no previous Arsenal substitute pair had managed to assist each other’s goals in European competition.

Mikel Arteta’s Masterstroke

This tactical intervention perfectly showcased Mikel Arteta’s impact from the sideline. His decision to introduce both players transformed a frustrating 0-0 stalemate into a comprehensive victory within 22 minutes.

Mikel Arteta Secret Weapon Liverpool Manchester City
Mikel Arteta (Via The Independent)

The substitutes’ chemistry and understanding proved the difference in what had been a cagey encounter at the intimidating Estadio San Mamés.

Read More: 5 Stars Who Have Played for Both Arsenal and Villarreal – The Players Who Crossed Between Emirates and El Madrigal

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