The Basque derby's midfield thinkers

They are the driving forces in the Athletic Club and Real Sociedad engine rooms, the focal points of their teams, and for their teammates they're always on hand as a reliable go-to option. 29-year-old Beñat and Ruben Pardo, 23, are cast as the Basque derby's midfield thinkers. The pair will be charged with pulling the strings for their respective teams as the arch-rivals prepare to do battle.

Upon returning to San Mames from Real Betis, it has taken Beñat quite some time to fully convince Ernesto Valverde of his worth, but this season has seen the midfield general handed a central role in his coach's plans. He is at the heart of everything for Bilbao and his excellent vision is what keeps his side ticking over. What's more, ever since Valverde has asked him to operate in a deeper role, as his anchorman, he has become a better all-round player. He averages 50 passes a game - 79% of which reach their intended target -, has racked up four assists so far this term, and regains possession almost seven times per game. These impressive stats have seen his stock improve in the LaLiga Fantasy game, where he has amassed 206 points.

In the opposition ranks, Ruben Pardo - who has become a key player for Real Sociedad since Eusebio Sacristan's appointment - is the man who sets the tempo in La Real's midfield. Alongside Asier Illarramendi, the youth system graduate dictates play in the middle of the park where his form has been instrumental in the San Sebastian side's recent upturn in results.

Real Sociedad have strung together three wins on the spin, prompting a review of the season's targets at Anoeta as the Basques start to allow themselves to look upwards in the table. Over the last few matchdays, Pardo's performance levels have been on the up as he has firmly established himself as one of the top assist-providers in the Liga BBVA. La Real's number 14 is the division's top creator bar none with seven assists and he has also improved his game when his side don't have the ball, regaining possession 4.2 times per match. Pardo completes an average of 40 passes a game - with a success rate of 82% - and his 121 points in the LaLiga Fantasy game make him more than deserving of making the cut in your team.

With Beñat and Ruben Pardo pulling the strings in the middle of the park, the Basque derby between Athletic Club and Real Sociedad has all the hallmarks of being a tight affair between two sides who know only too well that the key to victory lies at the feet of their midfield thinkers.