Future stars - Iker Muniain

This is yet another name that we have seen banded around over the last few months, yet another product of the lauded Spanish youth system.  Iker Muniain has been making waves ever since he arrived on the scene as a sprightly 16-year-old, however, being a member of Athletic Bilbao it remains to be seen if he will ever ply his trade elsewhere.

Born in Pamplona and a member of the Basque clubs youth system, Muniain, like many others, has grown up a fiercely proud inhabitant of that particular part of Spain.  Making his debut for the seniors in 2009, and in doing so becoming youngest ever player to don the famous shirt.

He also quickly became the youngest to score; being referred to as the 'Basque Wayne Rooney.'  Muniain is very attack minded, able play both as a striker or winger, and surely a player that will soon become a regular in the Spanish set up.  After all he has represented them at all levels from under-16 to under-21, winning the European Championships with the latter last summer.

Celebrating hitting the back of the net

If you were to believe the gossip columns it seems inevitable that he will be leaving sooner rather than later, but as a lot of football fans know that isn't always the case amongst the Basque's.  They are proud people, often reluctant to leave, due to the strong ties they have with the region, the language and everything that makes it unique.

He is currently contracted until 2015 and has a buy out clause in the region of 40m euros, but it would be hardly surprising if he was to commit beyond that.  In a league where two clubs dominate, it is refreshing to see one that can keep hold of it's star performers despite the huge monopoly that exists.