On Sunday, Real Sociedad once again had the joint presence of Turrientes and Gorrotxategi in midfield, a combination that had not appeared in the season for more than a month. Since May 4, both players had played only two minutes together: the second half of a match in Belgium and 27 minutes of the second half against Celta. On the final day, they remained 71 minutes before Yangel came on for number eight. This performance occurred in a match against Levante, in which Real dominated the pace and control of the game, and in which both midfielders were decisive for the victory.
The match was a sample of the evolution of the squad under the direction of the American. Gorrotxategi, who recovered from a pubic injury, showed a solid level of play and a great ability to distribute the ball, while Turrientes, who has been gaining minutes in the league, has stood out for his scoring contribution and his ability to advance with the ball. Both players have been part of Real's strategy to maintain possession and put pressure on the opponent, which translated into dominating the game and obtaining important points.
Last season, the pair of midfielders was key in the confrontations with Athletic Club, both in the league and in the Copa del Rey. Gorrotxategi scored the winning goal in the Cup semi-final in San Mamés, while Turrientes scored in the Anoeta derby, with a great goal that left the stadium going crazy. These performances reinforced the reputation of both players as essential pieces in the most demanding matches.
The collective performance of Real Sociedad has been notable, with a style of play that combines ball control and constant pressure. The presence of Turrientes and Gorrotxategi in the midfield has contributed to improving the team's dynamics, allowing Real to maintain dominance in key matches. The combination of his technical skills and his ability to influence the game has been fundamental to the team's success this season.
With the derby against Athletic Club approaching, Real Sociedad is preparing to face its rivals with a squad that has demonstrated its ability to dominate matches. The combination of Turrientes and Gorrotxategi in midfield will be an important factor in the team's strategy, which seeks to continue building on the dominance they have shown in previous matches.