Euro 2021: Unai Nunez the Spanish defenders’ strengths and weaknesses

As Mikel Arteta prepares for his first summer as manager, plans have already begun for how he can improve his squad. Euro 2021 fans can book Spain Vs Sweden Tickets on our website on exclusively discounted prices.

The team Arteta inherited from Unai Emery has some obvious flaws that need addressing, with centre-back position continuing to be a problem position for the Gunners. The Spaniard already brought in Pablo Mari on loan from Flamengo during the January transfer window.  

Meanwhile, William Saliba will finally join up with his new teammates once the 2019/20 campaign is concluded, having spent the season on loan at Saint-Etienne following after agreeing a £27million move to the Emirates last summer. But that doesn’t mean that Arteta’s hunt for defensive reinforcements has been completed.

One name that is starting to crop up more and more is Unai Nunez. Euro 2021 fans can book Spain Euro Cup Tickets on our website on exclusively discounted prices.

Who is he?

Unai Nunez is a centre-back for La Liga side Athletic Bilbao. After winning the U21 European Championship in 2019, he is now a Spain international, having made his debut for La Roja during their 4-0 defeat of the Faroe Islands last September.

Now 23 years of age, Nunez joined Athletic’s ‘Cantera’ academy as a 10-year-old and rose up through the ranks at the club. He spent time with Athletic's feeder club CD Basconia and in the Athletic B team before establishing himself in the first team in 2017.

What kind of player is he?

At 6ft 1in, Nunez would be in the middle of the pack when it comes to size for the Gunners’ options at centre-back, should they make a move for him. Aymeric Laporte’s departure to Manchester City in January 2018 opened the door for Nunez to establish himself in the first team after a strong start to the season.

But he saw his chances limited in his sophomore campaign in the senior squad. Nunez has similarly struggled for regular gametime in 2019/20, making just 10 starts in the league all season - though he did play every minute of Athletic’s 1-0 Copa Del Rey win over Barcelona in February.

Unsurprisingly, Nunez is a good passer of the ball and would allow Arteta to build his team in a similar style to Pep Guardiola’s Manchester City side, who regularly play out from the back. While he is a competent player, it does seem like he would need some work to be brought up to the level Arsenal are hoping to reach.

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