Mikel Vesga Arruti (Spanish pronunciation: [ˈmikel ˈβezɣa]; born 8 April 1993) is a Spanish professional footballer who plays for Athletic Bilbao as a defensive midfielder.
Club Career
Born in Vitoria-Gasteiz, Alava, Basque Country, Vesga made his debut as a senior with CD Aurrera de Vitoria in 2012, in Tercera Division. In summer 2013 he moved to Deportivo Alaves, being assigned to the reserves also in the fourth division.
On 1 July 2014, after refusing a new deal, Vesga joined another reserve team, Bilbao Athletic from Segunda Division B. Having gained the confidence of coach Jose Angel Ziganda he was an ever-present figure during the season, appearing in 38 matches and scoring three goals as they returned to Segunda Division after 19 years.
Vesga made his professional debut on 24 August 2015, starting in a 1–0 home loss against Girona FC. He scored his first league goal on 7 February of the following year, the winner in a 3–2 away victory over RCD Mallorca.
On 17 August 2016, after spending the whole pre-season with the first team, Vesga was definitely promoted to the Ernesto Valverde-led side and was assigned the number 12 shirt.