Antonio Blanco
ALA
Key midfielder for Alaves
Blanco has started six of Alaves's first seven matches this season in La Liga but was benched for the derby draw at Athletic Club.
Analysis: Blanco remains one of Alaves's most important midfielders and drew transfer interest from Italy, France, Greece, Saudi Arabia and the United States this summer, though he turned down a move. His contract runs through June 2027, and from January he will be free to negotiate with other clubs, adding uncertainty to his long-term future. For now he remains a first-choice option in central midfield, contributing seven shots, 16 tackles, 13 interceptions and eight clearances in 526 minutes.
Assists Wednesday
Antonio Blanco assisted once to go with one shot (zero on goal), two crosses (one accurate) and four chances created in Wednesday's 1-0 victory versus Barcelona.
Analysis: Blanco provided one assist during Wednesday's surprise win over Barcelona. It was a nice return in a difficult match, as he could have had even more goal contributions with better finishing ahead of him. He finished with four chances created during the narrow upset over the newly-crowned champions.
Scores opener vs. Athletic
Blanco scored one goal to go with one shot (one on goal) in Saturday's 4-2 loss versus Athletic. In addition, he was given a yellow card in the 59th minute.
Analysis: Blanco broke the deadlock early for Alaves with an unstoppable shot into the top corner that left Unai Simon helpless. Blanco has two goals and two assists in 32 starts this season, but as a holding midfielder, he's not known for regularly cracking the scoresheet. He might have the occasional goal or assist, but overall, his upside is limited in most formats.
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