Gorrotxategi keeps adding to his tally

Gorrotxategi reached 50 appearances for Real Sociedad's first team in Sunday's 1-0 win over Rayo Vallecano and continues to grow in importance under manager Pellegrino Matarazzo.

Jon Gorrotxategi is enjoying a strong period at Real Sociedad. The 24-year-old midfielder reached a milestone of 50 first-team appearances for the club on Sunday when he came off the bench in the final 20 minutes of a 1-0 victory over Rayo Vallecano, with Orri Óskarsson scoring the winning goal. The win moved Real Sociedad to fifth place with 22 points before the international break.

Gorrotxategi has become increasingly important in manager Pellegrino Matarazzo's plans. He had started six consecutive matches before Sunday's game and his regular presence in the lineup has coincided with improved performances and results—Real Sociedad have lost just one of their last nine league matches.

Fully recovered from the pubic pain that affected his early season, the academy product has gradually earned more playing time, accumulating 13 appearances across all competitions this season with 682 minutes played, approaching the totals of regular midfielders Yangel Herrera and Carlos Soler.

Gorrotxategi is being groomed as the successor to Martín Zubimendi, who left for Arsenal over a year ago, and has inherited the number 4 shirt. With a contract until 2030, he aims to remain a key player for the Basque club for years to come.