JUAN CARLOS ARTECHE

Arteche is an Atleti centre-back who leads a team packed with young academy players which, despite the club’s financial difficulties, remains competitive. Constantly connected with the stands through his commitment and dedication, the fans look to his fighting spirit, chanting “¡Aplasta, Arteche!” in matches such as a famous home comeback against Betis, in which he scores two goals, even suffering a torn meniscus in the process. His iconic moustache and imposing appearance earn him a reputation for being a tough player, but his football tells a different story, as he possesses a fine ability to play the ball out from the back. Arteche, who forms a legendary centre-back partnership with Ruiz, is a key figure in Atlético’s successes in the mid-1980s.