The Tiny Club That Produced Arteta, Alonso and Iraola
Inside Antiguoko, the tiny Basque youth club that helped develop Mikel Arteta, Xabi Alonso and Andoni Iraola before they became Premier League managers.
Mikel Arteta manages Arsenal. Xabi Alonso manages Chelsea. Andoni Iraola manages Liverpool. Three of the most fascinating coaches in English football now lead three of its biggest clubs.
Long before the tactical boards, Premier League pressure and billion-pound squads, however, they shared something much smaller.
A youth club in San Sebastián called Antiguoko Kirol Elkartea.
No giant stadium.
No global academy brand.
For years, not even a permanent home.
Yet from its pitches emerged Arteta, Alonso and Iraola — along…
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