Overview
Alex Berenguer Remiro, born on 4 July 1995, is a Spanish professional footballer who has become a recognized figure in La Liga. Primarily operating on the left wing, his career trajectory has seen him develop into a dynamic and adaptable attacking player capable of influencing games through his offensive contributions and defensive commitment. Hailing from Pamplona, Spain, Berenguer has represented clubs in Spain and Italy, demonstrating a consistent level of performance that has solidified his reputation as a reliable wide player.
Position
Berenguer is predominantly a left-sided midfielder or winger, often deployed in roles that allow him to cut inside onto his stronger left foot or drive to the byline for crosses. His versatility also enables him to feature on the right flank or as an attacking midfielder, particularly in systems that prioritize fluid movement and interchangeability in the final third. This positional flexibility makes him a valuable asset, allowing coaches to adapt tactics during matches or to counter specific opponent strategies.
Identity
The core identity of Alex Berenguer is built around his directness, dribbling prowess, and tireless work rate. He is often characterized as a "modern winger" due to his combination of offensive threat and defensive diligence. His ability to take on defenders in one-on-one situations, create chances, and track back to support his full-back contributes significantly to his team's overall balance. Berenguer's game is marked by his energy and commitment, consistently covering ground and engaging in battles on the flanks.
Career path
Alex Berenguer's professional journey began in his native Navarre, progressing through the youth ranks to establish himself in top-tier European football.
CA Osasuna
Berenguer joined the youth system of CA Osasuna, one of the prominent clubs in the Navarre region. He made his senior debut for Osasuna's reserve team, Osasuna B, in the 2013-14 season. His performances quickly caught the eye, leading to his first-team debut on 10 September 2014, in a Copa del Rey match against Mirandés (Transfermarkt). He became a regular for Osasuna in the Segunda División, playing a pivotal role in their promotion to La Liga at the end of the 2015-16 season. He spent one season in La Liga with Osasuna before attracting interest from clubs abroad.
Torino FC
In July 2017, Berenguer made a significant move to Italian Serie A club Torino FC, signing a five-year contract (Transfermarkt). During his three seasons in Turin, he adapted to Italian football, featuring regularly on the left wing for Il Toro. He made 106 appearances across all competitions for Torino, scoring 10 goals (Soccerway). His time in Italy provided him with valuable experience in a different tactical environment, broadening his understanding of the game and refining his attacking attributes.
Athletic Club
Berenguer returned to Spain in October 2020, joining Athletic Club, a club renowned for its Basque-only player policy (Wikipedia). The move brought him back to northern Spain and closer to his roots. Since joining Athletic, Berenguer has become an integral part of their squad, consistently occupying a wide attacking role. He has contributed both goals and assists, helping the team in their domestic league campaigns and Copa del Rey pursuits. His transfer to Athletic Club underscored his desire to play for a club with strong regional identity and further develop his career in La Liga.
Playing style
Alex Berenguer's playing style is defined by his blend of technical ability, attacking instinct, and defensive commitment, making him a multifaceted presence on the left flank. He is primarily a left-footed player, which significantly influences his movements and decision-making in wide areas.
One of his most notable attributes is his dribbling. Berenguer is adept at carrying the ball past defenders, often utilizing quick changes of pace and close control. This allows him to create space for himself to deliver crosses or to cut inside and attempt shots on goal. His direct running with the ball is a constant threat, capable of disrupting opposition defensive lines. According to FBref, Berenguer consistently attempts a high number of dribbles per 90 minutes, reflecting his willingness to take on opponents (FBref).
Beyond his dribbling, Berenguer possesses a keen eye for goal and a powerful shot from outside the box. While often deployed as a provider, he is not shy about testing goalkeepers, particularly when cutting in from the left wing. His crossing ability is also a key component of his game, capable of delivering accurate balls into the penalty area for strikers. His movement off the ball is intelligent, often finding pockets of space between defenders and midfielders to receive passes and initiate attacks.
Defensively, Berenguer is known for his impressive work rate. He tracks back diligently, supporting his full-back and contributing to the team's defensive structure. This commitment to defensive duties is a hallmark of his game, distinguishing him from some purely offensive wingers. This aspect of his play is comparable to players like Oyarzabal, who also combine flair with defensive responsibility (Sofascore). His ability to press opponents and win back possession in advanced areas often initiates counter-attacks, making him a critical component in both phases of play.
Achievements & honours
Alex Berenguer has experienced notable team success during his career, particularly since his return to Spanish football with Athletic Club.
His most significant team honour came with Athletic Club, where he played a crucial role in securing a major domestic trophy. While individual accolades have been less frequent, his consistent performances have been key to his teams' successes.
Club Honours
| Competition | Club | Year |
|---|---|---|
| Copa del Rey | Athletic Club | 2023-24 |
| Supercopa de España | Athletic Club | 2020-21 |
These achievements highlight his contribution to competitive teams, particularly in knockout competitions where his attacking output and resilience have been valuable assets. His role in Athletic Club's Copa del Rey victory in the 2023-24 season was particularly significant, marking a long-awaited triumph for the club (Wikipedia).
International career
Alex Berenguer has not yet received a senior cap for the Spain national football team. Despite establishing himself as a consistent performer in La Liga and Serie A, the depth of talent available to the Spanish national side, particularly in wide attacking positions, has meant that he has faced strong competition for selection.
Spain has a rich pool of wingers and attacking midfielders, with players from top European clubs often vying for spots in the national squad. While Berenguer's club form has often been praised for its consistency and impact, it has not yet translated into an international call-up at the senior level. Players such as Nico Williams, Dani Olmo, and Ansu Fati have frequently been preferred for national team duty, highlighting the competitive landscape (FIFA).
Berenguer's focus has remained on his club career, where he continues to deliver performances that could, in the future, bring him into contention for an international appearance. The Spanish national team coaches continuously monitor players performing well in domestic leagues, and a sustained period of high-level performance could still open the door for a senior international debut.
What makes Alex Berenguer stand out
Alex Berenguer stands out primarily due to his combination of explosive dribbling and a remarkable two-way work rate. His ability to consistently beat defenders in one-on-one situations on the left flank makes him a constant threat, capable of turning defensive situations into attacking opportunities with a single burst of pace and skill. This directness in his play keeps opposition full-backs on their toes and often creates numerical advantages for his team in wide areas.
Moreover, his commitment to defensive duties, tracking back vigorously and pressing opponents, is a distinctive trait that elevates him above many traditional attacking wingers. He contributes significantly to his team's defensive solidity, ensuring that the left flank is not easily exploited. This blend of offensive flair and defensive diligence makes him a valuable asset in modern football, where players are increasingly expected to contribute across all phases of the game.
"Berenguer brings a different dynamic to our attack; his ability to unbalance defenders and his tireless effort off the ball are invaluable to our system."