Pablo Orbaiz
 | |||
| Personal information | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Full name | Pablo Orbaiz Lesaka | ||
| Height | 1.79 m (5 ft 10+1⁄2 in) | ||
| Position(s) | Midfielder | ||
| Team information | |||
Current team | Athletic Bilbao | ||
| Number | 16 | ||
| Youth career | |||
| Osasuna | |||
| Senior career* | |||
| Years | Team | Apps | (Gls) |
| 1996–1998 | Osasuna B | 27 | (2) |
| 1996–2000 | Osasuna | 69 | (2) |
| 2000– | Athletic Bilbao | 263 | (10) |
| International career | |||
| 1997 | Spain U17 | 5 | (0) |
| 1996–1998 | Spain U18 | 15 | (0) |
| 1998–1999 | Spain U20 | 12 | (0) |
| 1999–2001 | Spain U21 | 12 | (0) |
| 2002–2005 | Spain | 4 | (0) |
| *Club domestic league appearances and goals, correct as of 21 May 2011 | |||
Template:Spanish name 2 Pablo Orbaiz Lesaka (born 6 February 1979) is a Spanish footballer who plays for Athletic Bilbao as a defensive midfielder.
Club career
Born in Pamplona, Navarre, Orbaiz began his career at hometown side CA Osasuna, exclusively playing in the second level with the Navarrese, and he contributed with 29 matches and one goal in his final season, as Osasuna returned to La Liga after a six-year absence.
After that, he moved to neighbours Athletic de Bilbao, where he was a very important midfield element from the start. In 2004–05, he played in 35 league games with three goals, adding eight UEFA Cup matches. However, he also suffered two very serious knee injuries, in 2002–03 and 2006–07 (only 14 matches combined).
In the 2009–10 season, Orbaiz continued to be an automatic first-choice when healthy. However, during one month (February–March 2010), he was sent off twice for dangerous challenges – both of which resulted in two-match bans – at Villarreal CF (1–2 loss) and at home against Getafe CF (2–2).
International career
Orbaiz made his international debut with Spain on August 21, 2002, in a testimonial match for Ferenc Puskás against Hungary, representing the nation a further three matches.
Previously, he helped the nation win the 1999 FIFA World Youth Championship.[1]
Honours
References
- ^ Pablo Orbaiz – FIFA competition record (archived)