Jon Ander Olasagasti (San Sebastián, 19-8-2000) is one of the players from the Real Sociedad subsidiary that Xabi Alonso trusts the most. One could even say, using popular jargon, that she is his ‘pretty boy’. The man from San Sebastian is a midfielder who has shown great projection at all stages of training since he arrived at Zubieta in 2014, when he was only 14 years old to play for the Real youth team. With the arrival of Xabi Alonso to the realistic reserve team, Olasagasti moved up to the second team and immediately became the player with the most minutes with Tolosa. He was injured in the play off last year and it was difficult for him to return to the dynamics of the subsidiary, but Xabi Alonso waited for him and received him with open arms, to the point that since his recovery he has practically played everything. It is the extension of him in the midfield of Real B, which is suffering more than desired in its return 60 years later to the silver category. It is as if the man from Tolosa saw himself reflected in Olasagasti, because he advises him, pushes him and is very much on top of him. And the growth and improvement of him are more than evident. He has a great teacher to look up to. What perhaps Xabi Alonso did not know is the admiration that Olasagasti professes for him, who considered him an idol. “When Xabi Alonso came to train I had a stuffed animal with his shirt, and a painting with a player who was him. And I think he doesn’t even know that”reveals in a statement to Movistar LaLiga.
For Olasagasti, the signing of Xabi Alonso for the Real subsidiary was very impressive, especially when he found out that he would be his coach. “At the time it was a very nice boom, but now I’ve gotten used to it”, recognize. And now, with that astonishment of someone who has his idol as a coach, he tries to improve under his orders while helping Sanse to be competitive in Second Division. “From last year to this year I notice a difference that you could be a little clueless for two minutes and nothing happened, and this year with the smallest detail they score a goal that changes the game, and that makes you 100% involved. all the time, we are learning all of that”. And he admits that the challenge of permanence would be something as big as it is complicated. “For us and for the club it would be a big step, we have been promoted and we remain, that promotion is not a coincidence, and for the following generations it can be a very nice experience”.
Halfway between the first team and the subsidiary, Olasagasti does not rise so much under Imanol because it is considered that he should grow in the second team, and because he is a key piece for Xabi Alonso. But he takes his situation naturally. “We have always lived like this, being a youth and going up to the third team or a teammate due to injuries. We have been adapting to that for many years and I think it’s good.”. The man from San Sebastian has already made his debut with the first team, in a Copa del Rey match, and starting as a starter. “It was something that I did not expect, it was from one moment to the next, waiting with Sanse, and they tell me that you have to play with the first team because Turrientes is injured. And an hour before the game Imanol tells me that I am going to start It was like a very nice emotion and nervousness, “he says. Later, he also played another Cup match against Leganés. “His dream of him going up and settling in the first team in his city is closer. “I want to reach the first team and get the most out of them, I’ve been to Anoeta since I was little and it would be a real joy”.
Little by little, he has no choice but to overcome his shyness. He shows on the pitch, because he has the makings of a leader and doesn’t stop giving directions to his teammates. He is a potential Xabi Alonso in that sense. Although Olasagasti has more arrival from the second line, to the point that he and Sina four goals in Second this season. “He was a shy kid, but not because he didn’t say anything, but because it’s hard for me to let go, and that’s something that over the years I’ve been losing that shame, and I think they’re not as shy as before and I’ve opened up more “. And when he has to name a first-team player to look out for, he’s very clear about it. “Mikel Merino is the best player there is, he is very complete and is everywhere, and it is always as if he is always one step ahead of the others”.
#Olasagasti #stuffed #animal #Xabi #Alonsos #shirt