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Daniel AranzubiaSpanish footballer, goalkeeper
Date of Birth: 18.09.1979
Country:  Spain |
Content:
Early Life and Club Career
Daniel Aranzubia, a Spanish football player, began his career in the Basque Country's football system. He spent several years playing for Athletic Bilbao's youth and reserve teams. On 10 April 2001, he made his senior team debut in the Basque derby against Real Sociedad, which Athletic Bilbao lost 1-2.
Aranzubia remained a back-up goalkeeper for the next two seasons before becoming Athletic Bilbao's first-choice goalkeeper during the 2002-2003 season. He held this position for the next several years, impressing Spain's national team coaches. However, in the 2005-2006 season, he faced competition from Iñaki Lafuente and in the 2007-2008 season, he sustained a serious injury. With the arrival of Gorka Iraizo, Aranzubia's playing time became even more limited.
Transfer to Deportivo La Coruña
In 2008, Aranzubia transferred to Deportivo La Coruña. On 20 February 2011, in the final minutes of a match where Deportivo was trailing by a single goal, Aranzubia moved into the opposition's penalty area for a corner kick and scored a header, becoming the first goalkeeper to score a headed goal in the Spanish league.
International Career
Aranzubia played for Spain's national teams at various youth levels. With the Under-20 team, he won the 1999 World Cup, and with the Olympic team, he won a silver medal at the 2000 Summer Olympics in Sydney.
Aranzubia only made one appearance for Spain's senior team. On 5 June 2004, he played in a friendly match against Andorra. He was a back-up goalkeeper to Iker Casillas at UEFA Euro 2004.
