Cem Gürsoy
ATH
Starting regularly in midfield
Ruiz de Galarreta has started in five of his six 2026/27 LaLiga appearances for Athletic Club.
Analysis: Ruiz de Galarreta opened the season on the bench but has started in his other five appearances, providing balance and a steady presence in the middle of the park. Ruiz de Galarreta has one assist, six chances created and five interceptions this season, but as a holding midfielder, it's not surprising to see his fantasy stock being very low despite his regular starting role.
Back with team
Galarreta (personal) is in the starting XI for Wednesday's match against Espanyol.
Analysis: Galarreta had to miss the club's last match after the birth of his son, but is back in the team Wednesday, with the midfielder fit enough to find the starting XI. The midfielder is likely to maintain a decent role in the final few games of the season, starting in 28 of his 32 appearances this season, while notching one goal and two assists.
Out for personal reasons
de Galarreta will miss Sunday's clash against Valencia due to the birth of his second child, according to the club.
Analysis: de Galarreta's absence is a last-minute blow for Athletic Club, as the midfielder has been a regular starter and an important presence in the engine room. Mikel Jauregizar steps into the starting eleven in his place, tasked with filling a significant void at short notice. The club will look to welcome him back into the fold once he has had time with his family.
Delivers assist in loss
De Galarreta assisted once to go with six crosses (two accurate) and one corner in Saturday's 3-2 loss against Atletico Madrid.
Analysis: De Galarreta set up Aitor Paredes through a set-piece cross after 23 minutes of action Saturday. Other than that, the defensive midfielder led the team with six crosses and three tackles won throughout the game. His recent increase in set-piece numbers has given him some creative upside, but he's still more reliable for possession stats, averaging 30.1 accurate passes, 5.4 balls recovered and 1.8 tackles per contest in the 2025/26 La Liga season.
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