Josu Sarriegi, Spanish footballer
Josu Sarriegi Zumarraga, born on January 19, 1979, is a distinguished Spanish former professional footballer primarily known for his robust performances as a central defender. Hailing from Lazkao, Gipuzkoa, in the Basque Country, Sarriegi’s career spanned top-tier leagues in both Spain and Greece, showcasing his defensive prowess, leadership qualities, and aerial ability, which are crucial attributes for a player in his position.
Professional Career in Spain
Sarriegi commenced his professional journey within his native Spain, developing his skills across various levels of Spanish football before making his mark in the top flight.
- Deportivo Alavés (1998-2005): Sarriegi began his senior career with Deportivo Alavés, a prominent club in the Basque Country. After progressing through their youth ranks, he made his debut for the first team, where he honed his defensive capabilities. During his tenure, Alavés experienced periods in both La Liga, Spain's top professional division, and the Segunda División. He amassed significant experience, including playing in 47 La Liga matches and contributing to their efforts in the Copa del Rey.
- SD Eibar (Loan, 2002-2003): During the 2002-2003 season, Sarriegi was loaned to SD Eibar, another Basque club competing in the Segunda División. This loan spell provided him with crucial first-team exposure, where he played 34 matches and scored 3 goals, further solidifying his reputation as a reliable defender capable of contributing offensively.
- Athletic Bilbao (2005-2007): In 2005, Sarriegi made a significant move to Athletic Bilbao, one of Spain's most iconic clubs, renowned for its unique 'Cantera' policy of exclusively fielding players of Basque origin or those who have developed within Basque football academies. His transfer to Athletic was a testament to his consistent performance and strong defensive attributes. During his two seasons at San Mamés, the historic home of Athletic, he made 24 appearances in La Liga, often facing challenging opponents and showcasing his resilience against top-tier forwards. Overall, his professional career in Spain saw him accumulate 71 appearances in La Liga and 78 matches in the Segunda División, where he found the net 5 times in total across both divisions.
European Venture with Panathinaikos (2007-2012)
In 2007, Josu Sarriegi embarked on a new chapter, moving abroad to join Panathinaikos FC, one of Greece's most successful and prestigious football clubs. This move marked a significant transition in his career, where he would become a cornerstone of their defense for five seasons until his retirement.
- Integral Defender: At Panathinaikos, Sarriegi quickly established himself as an indispensable part of the squad. His leadership, experience, and consistent performances made him a fan favourite and a key figure in the team's defensive line in the Super League Greece.
- Trophy Success: His time in Athens was marked by significant success. Sarriegi played a crucial role when Panathinaikos achieved the domestic double in the 2009-2010 season, winning both the Super League Greece title and the Greek Cup. This achievement was a highlight of his career, showcasing his contribution to a championship-winning side.
- European Competitions: Sarriegi also regularly represented Panathinaikos in European club competitions, including the UEFA Champions League and the UEFA Europa League. Competing against elite European clubs provided him with valuable international experience and further elevated his profile as a top-tier defender. He often faced formidable attackers from across the continent, demonstrating his ability to perform on the biggest stages.
- Retirement: Josu Sarriegi concluded his distinguished playing career with Panathinaikos in 2012, retiring from professional football at the age of 33. His dedication and defensive reliability left a lasting legacy at the Greek club.
Frequently Asked Questions About Josu Sarriegi
- What position did Josu Sarriegi play?
- Josu Sarriegi was a central defender, known for his defensive strength, aerial prowess, and leadership on the pitch.
- Which Spanish clubs did Sarriegi play for?
- In Spain, Josu Sarriegi played professionally for Deportivo Alavés, SD Eibar (on loan), and Athletic Bilbao.
- Did Josu Sarriegi win any trophies?
- Yes, Josu Sarriegi was a key member of the Panathinaikos team that won the Super League Greece title and the Greek Cup, achieving a domestic double in the 2009-2010 season.
- How many La Liga appearances did Josu Sarriegi make?
- Across his spells with Deportivo Alavés and Athletic Bilbao, Josu Sarriegi made a total of 71 appearances in La Liga, Spain's top football division.
- When did Josu Sarriegi retire from football?
- Josu Sarriegi retired from professional football in 2012, concluding his career with Panathinaikos at the age of 33.