Vallecas marks the turning point in Athletic's right-back position

Areso has become Athletic's first-choice right-back after starting in Vallecas, displacing Johaneko from the position.

Athletic's right-back situation has shifted following recent matches. After Johaneko started against Alavés at San Mamés, Areso was brought on to complete that game and then started days later at Vallecas against Rayo. The Rayo match was suspended after just 13 minutes due to objects being thrown onto the pitch, but Areso's selection marked a turning point in the position.

Hugo Rincón subsequently took over the role, initially playing on the right flank before moving to the left at Mestalla. Areso, in his first season at Athletic, has made seven league appearances this campaign, with four starts (not counting the suspended Rayo match) and only one complete performance against Atlético. The Navarre defender acknowledged the need to improve physically after last season and said he was working to reach his maximum level. Since the Vallecas suspension, Areso has not started another league match, though he did feature in the Copa del Rey against AE Prat. Rincón has made six appearances overall, five as a starter and four complete matches.