Right-back gains stability with Hugo Rincón

Hugo Rincón has started five consecutive La Liga matches for Athletic, ending over a year of instability at right-back.

Athletic's right-back position has been a persistent problem under both Valverde and current manager Terzic, but Hugo Rincón has brought stability to the role. The defender has now started five consecutive La Liga matches, a streak that hasn't occurred at the position for over a year — since Areso's five opening games of the 2025-26 season.

Rincón's consistency marks a turnaround after an inconsistent run that saw him miss four straight matches before earning the starting spot at Mestalla. Since then, he has been nearly ever-present, only being substituted late in the match against Ciutat de València.

Manager Terzic praised his recent performances ahead of the Osasuna fixture, saying: "Hugo has done very well and deserves to start again after his recent displays."