Hugo Rincón regains prominence for Athletic after Valencia run

Hugo Rincón has earned a more regular role at Athletic after two recent trips to Valencia. The right-back returned to the starting XI in Mestalla and repeated against Levante, standing out on the flank in both matches.

Against Valencia, he played on both sides: he began on the right and, with half an hour left, Areso came on for Johaneko. After the change, Rincón moved to the left to help stop Otorbi from getting forward.

The piece also points to the team’s build-up toward their first final, and notes that the player from Valtierra had been part of a run of four league games in a row keeping opponents scoreless, since the Barça visit in August. Areso is positioned as the other key option on the right, even if he isn’t currently the most frequent starter.