Real Sociedad fans have had very little to cheer in recent seasons. With the exception of last year’s Copa Del Rey success, La Real have struggled to compete with the likes of Barcelona, Real Madrid and Atlético in recent years. Despite this, the two-time La Liga champions headed into the November international break top of the table. And the evidence seems to suggest that their young squad should be able to cope with the pressures that come with being the early-season pacesetters.
Real Sociedad will go into the international break 🔝 of the Liga. 🇪🇸💥#UEL pic.twitter.com/iVPglDYVAP
— UEFA Europa League (@EuropaLeague) November 7, 2021
Sociedad went into the international break just a single point ahead of both Sevilla and Real Madrid. As the latest La Liga title odds show in the football betting with Paddy Power, the majority of pundits and bookmakers aren’t expecting them to sustain their fantastic early season form. They are currently 10/1 fourth favourites to secure their first top-flight title since 1982.
The San Sebastian-based club have a number of proven performers, including David Silva, Adnan Januzaj and Mat Ryan. But despite this, their recent success has been built on developing locally-based players and promoting them from their hugely successful reserve squad, who are currently competing in the second tier. Real Sociedad B, who are coached by former Liverpool midfielder Xabi Alonso, have been able to produce a number of first-team regulars in recent months. The majority of their starting 11 have graduated from the club’s famed academy. As reported by Football Espana, Alonso could easily have been tempted away from his boyhood club. However, the World Cup winner has opted to remain in Guipúzcoa and will be looking to build on the club’s recent success.
The Real Sociedad squad has the youngest average age in the division and there are currently 16 players who have come through the system at the Basque club. Julen Lobete has been one of the more recent success stories. According to the Daily Mail, it was the forward’s last-gasp strike that helped to move La Real back to the summit in mid-October.
19-year old Beñat Turrientes, who first joined the club’s youth set-up seven years ago, recently made his debut for the senior team. Contrastingly, Aihen Muñoz and Andoni Gorosabel have both established themselves as first-team regulars over the last couple of campaigns. Four players have already made the step up from Real Sociedad B this season. And although this can sometimes cause selection issues for Alonso, it has helped to underline the importance of player development at the club.
Injuries have forced the hand of coach Imanol Alguacil, with the likes of Nacho Monreal, Mikel Oyarzabal and Asier Illarramendi all having spent time on the sidelines this season. However, those established senior players may struggle to dislodge their younger counterparts upon their return to action.
The club’s biggest challenge this season will arguably be juggling their domestic and European commitments. Nevertheless, they’ve gone 16 matches unbeaten in all competitions, and in La Liga, they’ve conceded just a single goal at the Anoeta Stadium.
Real Sociedad have now gone 16 games unbeaten across all competitions, with their only defeat coming on the opening day of the season against Barcelona.
They go into the international break top of La Liga. 🙌 pic.twitter.com/bT4kyeuJtJ
— Squawka Football (@Squawka) November 7, 2021
Although some of the media focus has been placed on former Man City midfielder David Silva, the 35-year-old has largely been a peripheral figure so far. However, his presence in the dressing room is likely to play a key role, especially during the second half of the season.
With Barcelona likely to improve following a change in the dugout and Real Madrid’s star-studded squad expected to grind out results throughout January and February, Sociedad’s staying power is likely to be tested over the coming weeks. This being said, their young squad has shown a remarkable resilience so far. Their togetherness and youthful exuberance may just be enough to enable them to sustain their title charge throughout the winter months.
