BBC Sport travelled to Bilbao to examine Athletic Club’s distinctive policy of selecting only players with Basque roots and how that tradition has underpinned the club’s achievements. Rather than limiting them, the club’s local-only recruitment has fostered a strong academy system, intense community ties, and a clear sporting identity that influences playing style, scouting and squad cohesion.
The report looks at examples of success born from that philosophy, explores the trade-offs of a restricted player pool, and considers why the policy means so much to supporters and to the Basque region itself. Read more: https://www.bbc.com/sport/football/articles/cwyne3dnld2o
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