Why Has Real Sociedad's Focus On Local Talent Made Them Title Challengers
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Why Has Real Sociedad's Focus On Local Talent Made Them Title Challengers

Why Has Real Sociedad's Focus On Local Talent Made Them Title Challengers

One of football’s hotspots in recent years has been the Basque region of Spain - an area that has produced fabulous young talent and elite tacticians in the dugout.

Athletic Bilbao have made a name for themselves - exclusively signing players from the local area. However, Real Sociedad also have an emphasis on youth with their 'Zubieta' academy.

Initially, Sociedad delay the academy process, wanting young players to have a childhood and develop naturally outside of the professional system, with their academy starting with the Under-13s.

But due to their second and third team, Sociedad gradually integrates young players into their team, handing them chances and allowing them to develop in La Liga.

Nevertheless, how does Real Sociedad's ‘Zubieta’ academy compare to those of clubs such as Barcelona and Real Madrid?

Fabulous Former Graduates

Operating in the Basque region of Spain, several fantastic players have come through the ranks of Real Sociedad and Athletic Bilbao - the two clubs with philosophies of developing local talent.

In the modern day, players such as Nico Williams have been developed in and continue to play in the Basque area of Spain. However, over the years, several players have outgrown the two clubs, moving to the top clubs in Europe for large fees.

Potentially the most famous name on the graduates list, that has left the club, Antoine Griezmann has gone on to have a fantastic career at the top level of European football.

Coming through the club’s youth system, the Frenchman made his debut in the 2009/10 season in the Copa del Rey before making over 100 appearances and scoring 40 goals in La Liga for the Basque-based club.

Since joining Atletico Madrid, the French forward has lifted trophies such as the UEFA Super Cup, Spanish Super Cup, and the World Cup, and UEFA Nations League with France.

Not a typical striker, Griezmann is the perfect balance between an incredibly technically gifted player and a lethal bagsman in front of goal.

A solid central defender, Robin Le Normand is another Sociedad academy graduate who has become a top player in the Spanish top-flight.

Beginning his career in France and at Brest in 2013, Le Normand made several appearances for the Ligue 1 side’s B team before making a singular appearance in Ligue 2 before signing for Real Sociedad.

The defender did not go straight into the first team, appearing for Sociedad’s B team for three years, but in 2018 – he would be handed his La Liga debut. After 2018, Le Normand went from strength to strength, becoming one of the first names on the teamsheet.

However, following three superb seasons at the club – in which he had made over 40 appearances in all competitions, the 28-year-old departed the club, joining Atletico Madrid.

Within his first year at the Metripolitano, Atletico finished in 3rd place, with Le Normand making 40 appearances for the Madrid club, including action at the FIFA Club World Cup.

A rangy defender, who is excellent in his defensive actions but can also play forward – Le Normand was a brilliant player for Sociedad before bringing a large fee to the club.

Academy Graduates That Are Currently Leading The Squad

In 2024/25, Sociedad did not have the best season, finishing in 11th place in the La Liga table.

However, the club's principles have not changed as the Basque club continue to be led forward by the youth talent that has blossomed into top players at the club.

Currently still playing for Sociedad and occupying the club’s armband, Mikel Oyarzabal is a name that will haunt English fans, after the Spanish wideman netted the winner in the Euro 2024 final.

However, Oyarzabal has also had an outstanding club career. A one-team man, the Spaniard made his professional debut in 2014 and La Liga debut in 2015, going on to net 115 goals and assist 61 goals for Sociedad.

A versatile forward, Oyarzabal can play on the wing or centrally, with the attacker maturing and becoming a cornerstone in the Spanish club's forward line.

Now at 28 years of age, Oyarzabal is seemingly the main man, being the club’s top goal scorer with 18 goals and eight assists in all competitions. An elite forward, the Sociedad skipper has also gone on to make 45 senior appearances for Spain.

In terms of a homegrown talent, the 28-year-old has been elite for Sociedad, being a clinical attacking player that can be the difference between mid-table mediocrity and qualifying for Europe.

The magician in the middle, Martin Zubimendi is wanted by every giant across European football this summer.

A Sociedad academy graduate and now a stalwart in the Spain squad, the Spanish midfielder came through the system for the txuri-urdin, Zubimendi made his debut in 2016, playing for Real Sociedad – spending four years with the club's B team.

In 2019, the central midfielder was finally handed his chance for the first team, appearing in La Liga, and from there – he did not look back. Zubimendi has made 236 appearances, and last season he was phenomenal, sitting above 70% of midfielders for touches, defensive actions and aerial duels won.

For Real Sociedad, the 26-year-old is their glue, patching together their attack and defence, also preventing potential counter-attack and controlling the game’s tempo.

How They Fair With La Liga’s Elite Duo

Compared to other teams in La Liga, Real Sociedad have an increased amount of local talent in their starting lineup, with their teams typically containing six academy graduates.

With the Spanish club playing a 4-2-3-1 formation throughout the season, their central defenders Aritz Elustondo and Igor Zubeldia both came from the club’s B team, Zubimendi, and Pablo Mann in midfield have been developed at the club, and finally, Ander Barrenetxea and Oyarzabal complete Sociedad’s Basque based player.

Looking at teams like Real Madrid and Barcelona, Sociedad does produce more talent. However, La Liga’s top clubs can develop and attract the elite, with players such as Lamine Yamal and Pedri starting for the Catalonian club.

With Sociedad finishing around 6th spot, and in 11th in the 2024/25 season, it is also incredibly difficult for the Basque club to keep their youth talent with the top teams able to poach them for money. The Basque club might not be in a title race, but they are position to have a strong campaign next season and get back into the Champions League.

Benji Kosartiyer
Journalist
Josh Wyatt-Jones

Content Writer

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