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From the latest transfer news, quizzes, videos, features and interviews with the biggest names in the game, plus lots more.Signup +Once a week...And its LIVE!Sign up to our FREE live football newsletter, tracking all of the biggest games available to watch on the device of your choice. Never miss a kick-off!Signup +Join the clubGet full access to premium articles, exclusive features and a growing list of member rewards.Explore An account already exists for this email address, please log in.Subscribe to our newsletterIs Jon Gorrotxategi the next big superstar out of the Basque Country? There's certainly a case that he could be.Given the clamour to sign Martin Zubimendi from Real Sociedad over the past 18 months, with Manchester City, Liverpool, Barcelona and Arsenal all battling for a signature that the Gunners eventually won, a move for the Spaniard's successor is surely on the cards in the next couple of years.But is Gorrotxategi essentially a Zubimendi regen, or is there more to his game? Here's your two-minute scout report.Article continues below You may like Who exactly is Mikel Jauregizar? FourFourTwo's two-minute scout report Who exactly is Rodri Mendoza? FourFourTwo's two-minute scout report Who exactly is Victor Valdepenas? FourFourTwo's two-minute scout report So who exactly is Jon Gorrotxategi?PROFILEName: Jon GorrotxategiPosition/s: Defensive midfield, central midfieldAge: 23 (Born: September 2, 2002)Nationality: SpanishHeight: 1.77m (5ft 10in)Preferred Foot: RightCurrent Club: Real SociedadJon Gorrotxategi was born in and played for Eibar's youth sides before a move to San Sebastian at the age of 15 to link up with Real Sociedad's Sanse sides. After a loan move to the Spanish second tier with Mirandes in 2024/25, he was brought back to La Real last summer and handed Zubimendi's no.4 shirt, following the Basque midfielder's move to the Premier League.The comparisons are clear with his predecessor, with Barcelona having already identified him as a long-term option in their midfield. Gorrotxa as he's also known is a similarly slight pivote with a similar build, passing ability and, like Zubimendi, a surprisingly good aerial duel success rate for his height. There are significant nuances, however, with the Real man a little more conservative as a player, and perhaps more of a leader in time.Gorrotxategi's strengthsPassing and technical security: As you'd expect of any Spanish no.6, Gorrotxategi is an excellent passer, of both short and long distances. The 23-year-old is comfortable playing vertically but doesn't force play, looking to recycle possession where necessary.Ability to dictate and pausa: Gorrotxategi can speed up play for La Real with a first-time ball and slow the pace of a game down to a standstill with his composure in possession. He is exceptionally press-resistant and never looks to take chances on the ball, often returning the ball back to where it came from if he has his back to play.Get FourFourTwo NewsletterThe best features, fun and footballing quizzes, straight to your inbox every week.Contact me with news and offers from other Future brandsReceive email from us on behalf of our trusted partners or sponsorsBy submitting your information you agree to the Terms & Conditions and Privacy Policy and are aged 16 or over.Anticipation and positional intelligence: With a comprehensive reading of play and an understanding of spacing on and off the ball, Gorrotxategi is comfortable either as a lone DM or in a double-pivot, operating deep for La Real. He likes to drop into defence as a third centre-back to help recycle play, and will drift into space to receive.Engine and ball-winning: Stamina is a prerequisite at Anoeta to shuttle up and down the pitch, with Gorrotxategi relentless in eating up ground out of possession. He has the terrier-like will to nick the ball away with a refined style of tackling.Leadership: As a captain at youth level, Gorrotxategi displayed excellent leadership qualities. While it is a little early to tell in senior football, he appears to use his 360-degree awareness to be a vocal organiser in front of the backline while leading by example in his composure. What to read next Who exactly is Ezechiel Banzuzi? FourFourTwo's two-minute scout report Who exactly is Jim Thwaites? FourFourTwo's two-minute scout report Who exactly is Saba Kharebashvili? FourFourTwo's two-minute scout report Jon Gorrotxategi - ALL 4 GOALS & ASSISTS FOR CD MIRANDS | Skills & Highlights - YouTubeWatch On Gorrotxategi's areas of developmentPhysicality: At just 5ft 10in, Gorrotxategi competes well for his stature, but may well need to develop that side of his game a little more. He uses intelligence more than power to win possession, and perhaps mastering the dark arts, Busquets-style, could hold him in good stead.Goal contributions: A criticism of Zubimendi in San Sebastian, Gorrotxategi doesn't contribute very much to the final third. Learning how to box-crash could be invaluable or even just positioning himself nicely on the edge of the area for the occasional shot from distance.Weaker foot usage and conservatism: Gorrotxategi has somewhat of a bias towards his right foot and only uses his preferred foot in high-risk situations. He could do with working on his left anyway, but sometimes his desire for control hinders him from doing something a little more unexpected. Again, occasionally releasing his risk aversion may lead to more goals.Gorrotxategi's ceilingMORE REPORTSMIDFIELDERS Mikel Jauregizar, Richard Rios, Ezechiel BanzuziAs yet uncapped by Spain though he did appear for the Basque Country in a friendly against Palestine in November Gorrotxategi faces stiff competition for places in midfield, but could well force himself into contention for a place at Euro 2028, especially if Rodri's injury issues continue and Luis de la Fuente wants a like-for-like deputy for Zubimendi. A big move could well happen in the next few years, but though he is 23, his development is a long-term project. If similar profiles are anything to go by, he won't be hitting peak for at least another three years.Mark WhiteSocial Links NavigationContent EditorMark White is the Digital Content Editor at FourFourTwo. During his time on the brand, Mark has written three cover features on Mikel Arteta, Martin Odegaard and the Invincibles, and has written pieces on subjects ranging from Sir Bobby Robsons time at Barcelona to the career of Robinho. An encyclopedia of football trivia and collector of shirts, he first joined the team back in 2020 as a staff writer.
