Real Sociedad's young player Betia recently gave an interview in which he spoke about his career, his idol, and his current favorite players.

Betia's idol is Real Sociedad legend Bergara, and he said that his current favorite for both center-back and full-back is Barcelona defender Cubarsi.

Real Sociedad have played four warm-up matches so far, and you have featured in all of them, playing 45 minutes each time. That is quite rare. I don't know whether it's due to the specific nature of the centre-back position or the form of other players...

"Well, I'm not entirely sure either. We have five center-backs, so the coach probably rotates them during matches."

Fans still greatly appreciate your performance. Over the past few days, there have been many praises on social media about your good play.

"Really? I'm not really aware of it. I don't usually scroll through these things, let alone search for myself specifically. However, my friends and family have told me the same thing. They say I look like I'm playing happily and in good form... My physical condition is excellent right now, with no discomfort, which allows me to give my all. But honestly, I haven't really paid attention to outside discussions."

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"I am a defender who likes to command the backline and has strong leadership skills. I think my passing ability is good, and I enjoy physical duels with opponents. Defending in the box might be an area I need to improve. Matarazzo wants us young players to be brave and try things, and not to be afraid of making mistakes. He even let me try left center-back, and although I usually play right center-back, I accept all the coach's arrangements."

Let's talk about Matarazzo.

"Matarazzo is an approachable coach in everyday life. He will gladly discuss details of the game with you, his requirements, and what we need to do. I quite like him. On the field, Matarazzo is strict and speaks directly. Whether you play well or not, he will tell you directly."

The team conceded the most goals in La Liga last year, and the club is considering bringing in a defender...

"Well, I've seen some reports, but I don't know much about it."

There are rumors that Aguerd might return, and you’ve worked with him before.

"Yes, I've played with Aguerd, and I think he's a great center-back. If he returns, I can continue learning from him. Of course, we'll welcome whoever comes."

This could change your position within the team.

"Well, that's a possibility, but my approach is to stay down-to-earth, do my best to earn and seize opportunities, and always be prepared. I haven't discussed this with the relevant people yet. I'm calm and focused on training, not thinking too far ahead."

So, you don’t yet know your role for the new season...

"Yes, right now I’m still considered a B-team player and am just taking part in first-team training. I will do my best to seize every opportunity given to me, whether in training or in future official matches. I will give my all whenever I get the chance. My dream is to play for Real Sociedad’s first team."

The team initially called up 12 academy players for joint training, but three have already left: Mikel Rodriguez was transferred, while Balda and Carbonell returned to the B team...

"Yes, considering some players returned late and some were out due to injury, the club initially called up 12 B team players. I think everyone is making a tremendous effort, trying to seize their opportunities, focusing on daily training, and striving to improve themselves."

Let’s talk about Le Barbier. He missed a lot of time last year due to a serious injury, but this year he has earned Matarazzo’s trust. How do you evaluate him?

"I'm happy for Le Barbier. I've always admired him, and he's a good friend of mine. Le Barbier came to Real Sociedad late in his youth academy career, so his playing style is quite different from that of players developed by Real Sociedad itself. He's very strong physically and also very explosive. Last year, he was troubled by injuries and couldn't play, but he's been in excellent form since returning this year and has seized his opportunities."

The club extended his contract until 2030, clearly showing its trust in him.

"Yes, the club has shown confidence in me, and I'm very grateful to them. It gives me a great deal of peace of mind."

Let's look back at Real Sociedad B's last two years. The team earned promotion from Tercera Federación and then successfully avoided relegation in Segunda División.

"Well, apart from our captain Peru, none of the other players had Segunda División experience at the time. It was a new level and a new challenge for us, and we weren't sure whether we could reach that standard, but everyone saw the final result. We started well, then ran into difficulties, but ultimately secured survival with two games to spare, which was better than we expected. Everything went well last year, many players performed excellently, and everyone was happy to stay in Segunda División."

Did you feel that securing survival was a historic moment?

"I don't know if it was a historic moment, but we were certainly very happy, because we knew it was very difficult for Real Sociedad B to avoid relegation from Segunda División successfully. Segunda División is very competitive, and the season is long. We were on the brink of relegation for a long time, and with the strong abilities of our competitors, being able to achieve that was truly invaluable."

What did you gain from playing in the Segunda División?

"My biggest gain from Segunda División is realizing that 'any mistake can come at a heavy price' is not an exaggeration or an empty phrase. The forwards at the Segunda División level are very skilled, with strong one-on-one abilities. The difficulty of defending against them is simply incomparable to forwards in Tercera Federación... If you make a mistake against them, even the smallest detail can genuinely ruin the entire match. You have to be completely focused and pay attention to every single detail."

The jump from Tercera Federación to Segunda División is bigger. Tercera Federación is Spain’s fifth tier, while Segunda División is the second tier, so that is a three-division leap. The jump from Segunda División to La Liga is only one division, from the second tier to the top flight. In terms of level, professionalism, budgets, facilities, media attention, and player quality, Tercera Federación to Segunda División is generally a much larger step.

"I can't really say yet, because I haven't played many La Liga games. The gap in playing style between Segunda División and Tercera Federación is wider than between La Liga and Segunda División, because Tercera Federación is played more directly and is more physically intense. However, Tercera Federación also has some aspects that are harder to play than Segunda División and La Liga, namely that the pitch conditions for some teams in Tercera Federación are really bad. I can only say that all three levels are difficult to play, each with its own characteristics."

Jon Ansotegi is a former Spanish footballer best known for his time with Real Sociedad, where he played as a central defender. A reliable and disciplined centre-back, he spent many years with the Basque club and became a respected squad member for his commitment, professionalism, and defensive consistency. Ansotegi was not usually a headline-grabbing player, but he was valued for his positioning, aerial ability, and leadership in the back line. His career is closely associated with Real Sociedad’s modern era, particularly during the club’s years of consolidation in La Liga.

"Ansotegi played as a center-back during his playing days, so he primarily coaches the defenders, while Agirretxe coaches the forwards. Ansotegi pays special attention to us center-backs — me, Kito, Peru, Calderón, and Ayo. He teaches us how to challenge in the box, how to mark, how to defend against crosses from the flanks... And he's also an approachable person, just like Matarazzo."

Your excellent performances in Segunda División must be a headache for the first-team management, as they have to figure out how to make room for you.

"That's a good thing! After all, that is exactly our purpose. When the first team needs players, we have to be ready."

The fans are also discussing this.

"If everyone is discussing it, it means we're doing a pretty good job."

What can you tell us about Carrera? Does he show the same killer instinct in training as he does in official matches?

"Yes, I actually only met him last year, and I hadn't played with him before, but he performed exceptionally well from the start. He scored many goals last year, and we hope he can continue that this year. Our wingers are also very strong, especially Ocién, and Marchal, Dani, and Astiazarán are also very good... Oh, and we can't forget our Darío. These high-level young players have performed excellently in Segunda División and are waiting for their first-team opportunities."

Real Sociedad B's games start in eight days. Will you stay with the B team to play, or continue training with the first team and go to England for the friendly matches?

"I don’t know; no one has told me. It’s probably not decided yet. I’m training hard with the first team to earn an opportunity, and whenever it’s my turn to play, I’ll be ready. Of course, if I go back to play for the B team, I’ll also be very happy."

It’s a shame that Sergio was promoted to first-team coach last year but couldn’t establish himself.

"Yes, Sergio coached me for two years in the B team. The main reason he couldn't establish himself there was probably the unsatisfactory results, and the football world is never patient. When I joined first-team training, the team was at a low point, but then I also experienced the climb and was present at the Copa del Rey final – that was a historic moment, a unique experience, and I was very happy."

You also received a Copa del Rey medal.

"Yes, I didn't know I was going until the last day, and I was a bit nervous then, but it was truly an incredible experience for me. I wanted to enjoy it to the fullest, but also be prepared in case it was my turn to play. In the end, we won the title, which was a historic moment, and we were very happy."

Are you excited to be returning to European competition?

"Yes, of course. Ultimately, European competition is something everyone longs to be part of. Two years ago, I went to Old Trafford to watch a match and experienced its unique atmosphere. There are many high-level teams in European competitions, which genuinely excites me. We hope to go further in Europe and also achieve better results in the league. This season, Real Sociedad will be competing on four fronts again; it is truly an exhilarating season!"

What are your personal goals for this season?

"My goal is definitely to make progress. No matter what position I'm assigned, I want to give my all, do my best, and continue to grow as a player."

Have you ever dreamed of becoming a starting center-back for Real Sociedad's first team?

"I don't think too far ahead. I only focus on this week and this week's game. We all know that football is high-risk; you never know when a serious injury or other issues might arise. My dream is to play for Real Sociedad's first team and earn a place in the squad, but I won't think too far ahead. I focus on daily training and matches."

Which goal are you most proud of in your career?

"I don't score many goals. The one against Mirandés last year was very important, so that one."

What kind of goal do you dream of scoring?

"I want to score for Real Sociedad's first team. I think I'll be very excited when I score my first goal for the first team."

Which stadium would you most like to play in?

Arsenal's home ground.

I don’t have a personal idol, but many football fans admire players like Lionel Messi or Cristiano Ronaldo.

“Bergara.”

It depends on the criteria, but right now, Kylian Mbappé, Erling Haaland, Jude Bellingham, and Vinícius Júnior are all strong candidates. If I had to choose one, I’d say Kylian Mbappé because of his consistency, match-winning ability, and impact at the highest level.

"Mbappe."

I don’t have personal favorites, but one center-back who stands out right now is William Saliba, thanks to his composure, pace, and consistency at the highest level.

Cubarsí.

And who is your favorite full-back?

"Also, Cubarsi."

Tell us about your rivals. What is Jon Martin's greatest strength?

"One-on-one."

Kito?

“Aerial duels.”

Zubeldía?

"Ability to read the game."

Pacheco?

"Carrying the ball over long distances."

What about you?

"Passing."

I don’t have personal friends, but I can help you talk about football, players, clubs, or anything else you like.

"Ruperes, I suppose."

If you were to go out and celebrate with a teammate, who would you pick?

"Many people, but if I had to pick one, it would be Orobenboa."

What about living together?

"I don't know about that. To live together, you need to find someone with a simple lifestyle, so maybe Aguirre."

I can’t tell who that is without more context.

"Hmm... Osasuzwa."

What dream do you hope to achieve at Real Sociedad?

"Win another title."

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