One for the futuro: Iker Muniain

When a team only allows players from their region to play for the club, you´d think it wouldnt be long before they were plying their trade in the murky waters of sunday league. Some call the rule xenophobic, but footballing traditionalists would think it´s how it should be. After all, who doesnt feel all warm inside when told how Celtics European Cup winning team of 1967 was comprised from players all born within a 30 mile radius of Parkhead? Football folklore in its purest form.

Athletic Bilbao are one of very few clubs who adopt this policy in modern day football, and having never been relegated from the top flight in their history, who's to say it's a disadvantage. The key to this sustained success is the 'cantera' (translated as the 'mine'!) or as we know it, the youth system. Bilbao have dug out a few diamonds over the years, with Llorente, Yeste, Iraola and Susaeta all plucked from the Basque bedrock, and all now stars of the current first team. Yet not even one of these players created the media furore that is currently engulfing little Iker Muniain.

Muniain arrived at Bilbao when he was 12 years old and his rise to the first team has been meteoric, smashing club records for fun. He started off in the junior teams, moved up to the Bilbao B team and at just 15 years of age coach Joaquin Caparros had him training with the first team, alongside his childhood hero Joseba Etxeberria. Youth coach Unai Melgosa witnessed Iker´s progression firsthand, and among the youngsters many virtues he lists 'his ability to learn, he never stops wanting to learn' as the most impressive. On the field Muniain has a low centre of gravity, enabling him to twist and turn defenders into submission. He is devastatingly quick, skillful, great with both feet and scores vital goals. He is also Rooney-esque in personality. Fiery and passionate, he doesnt give defenders a moments rest.

On 30th July 2009, he made his official debut against BSC Young Boys in a UEFA Europa League prelimanary, and in the return leg, scored the goal which took Bilbao to the group stages, becoming the youngest ever player to score for Atletic in an official match. He made his La Liga debut on the 30st August, becoming the youngest ever Bilbao player to do so and on the 4th October he became the youngest ever player to score a top flight goal in Spanish League history, when he scored against Real Valladolid.

Big big things are expected of Iker Muniain, and if he continues at this rate we could well see the emergence of a Spanish Lionel Messi/Wayne Rooney clone. Right now his is showcasing his talents in the World Under17 Championships in Nigeria, but at this rate it might not be the only World Cup he plays in this season.