Real Sociedad Greatest All-Time Team

This blogger Artur Yanturin of Russia copied many of my blog teams.  This blog was one of them.  It was my Russia All-Time Team here.  His team was written in 2020, but mine was uploaded in 2014.   His Spartak Moscow All-Time team entry of was published in October 2020, but mine was uploaded in 2017.  His entry of the Dutch-German rivalry between Real Madrid and Barcelona was written in 2020, but mine was uploaded in 2014.  He also copied many many of my blog entries.

His Facebook and Instagram

La Liga Champion 1980-1981

Please also see my All-Time World Cup Team Index.

Real Madrid, Barcelona, Valencia, Villarreal,
Atletico Madrid, Sevilla, Atletic Bilbao, 
Deportivo La Coruna  Real Sociedad,
Real Betis, Real Zaragoza, Espanyol

Basque National Team in Euro 2024

This is my selection of a 25 member all-time team for the club.  The number 25 was chosen because it is the official squad size for the Champions' League.

Also known "La Real", Real Sociedad was a founding member of La Liga back in the 1920's.  Its longest spell in the top flight was for 40 seasons, from 1967 to 2007. Their best period was in the early 1980's when they won back-to-back league titles in 1981 and 1982.  They were also known for the Basque derby against its neighbour Atlethic Bilbao.  Please see my All-time Basque 23-member team here.  

Traditionally the club followed a policy (similar to that of its rival Athletic) of signing only Basque players, before signing Republic of Ireland forward John Aldridge in 1989. While a strong Basque contingent has been retained among its players, nowadays both non-Basque Spaniards and foreign players are represented at the club. 

1987 Copa Del Rey

Team  
GK: Luis Arconada (Spain)
Luis Arconada was born in San Sebastián, Gipuzkoa. He played his entire career with Real Sociedad, capturing back-to-back La liga titles from 1980 to 1982.  He was capped 68 times between 1974 and 1989, helping Spain to reach the final of the 1984 European Championship.  His blunder, however, in the Final caused Spain to lose in that Final against France. He also went to the 1978 and 1982 World Cups as well as Euro 1980. 

Luis Arconada

GK: Agustín Eizaguirre (Spain)

Eizaguirre was a Real Sociedad goalkeeper from 1912 to 1925, making 70 appearances. He played in the inaugural match at Atotxa Stadium in October 1913. With the Union of Clubs, one of two competing football federations in Spain at the time, he played in an international match against France in 1913. In 1920, he participated at the 1920 Summer Olympics with the Spain team without making an appearance. He retired at the age of 28.

GK: Alex Remiro (Spain)

Remiro developed through Athletic Bilbao's youth system alongside Unai Simon.  He played with loan spells with Levente and SD Huesca before returning to Atheltic Bilbao, but he was sold to Real Sociedad after a contract dispute.  He won the Copa Del Rey by defeating his mother club.  Since 2024, he represented Spain at the senior level.  He was a backup goalkeeper at Euro 2024.

RB: Aitor López Rekarte (Spain)
Aitor Lopez Rekarte was the undisputed started for Real Sociedad throughout his career, where he played from 1997 to 2007. He was named captain at one point.  In July 2007, López Rekarte switched to newly promoted UD Almería, but appeared scarcely throughout the season. He joined second division side SD Eibar. He had one cap with Spain in 2004.  

RB: Miguel Angel Fuentes (Spain)

Miguel Angel Fuentes began with Eibar in 1983 even through he was from Real Sociedad youth academy, but he almost played his entire career with Real Sociedad.  He played for La Real from 1987 to 2005, becoming one of the players with the most appearance.  He played once for Basque representative side.   Aster his retirement, he was elected and served as the club's president.

CB: Ignacio Kortabarria (Spain) 

He spent his entire career with Real Sociedad. He was a key defender and the club's captain as Real Sociedad won back-to-back La Liga champion in the 1980's.  He received 4 caps.  On 5 December 1976, before a game against Athletic Bilbao, Kortabarria and the opposing captain, José Ángel Iribar, carried out the Ikurriña, the Basque flag, and placed it ceremonially on the centre-circle. This was the first public display of the flag since the death of Francisco Franco, but it was still illegal.

Ignacio Kortabarria and José Ángel Iribar 1976 showing the Basque flag in 1976

CB: Alberto Gorriz (Spain) 
Alberto Gorriz played his entire career with Real Sociedad, winning back-to-back la Liga titles in the 1981 and 1982.  he would win the 1987 Copa Del Rey.  He earned 12 caps with Spain between 1988 and 1990.  He made his national debut at the age of 30.  He went to the 1990 World Cup Finals in Italy, where he scored a goal against Belgium. He was known for his partnership with Agustín Gajate.

CB/DM: Jon Andoni Larranaga  (Spain)
Larranaga rose throught the academy at Real Sociedad.  He was a rarely used player at Real Sociedad's 1980-1981 La Liga wining campaign.  He was the starter the following campaign as Real Sociedad won the league again.  He retired at 36 at the end of 1993–94, having played in 589 overall games(only behind Alberto Górriz). He is the only player of the league-winning sides to have played in the club's two grounds: Atotxa and Anoeta.

CB: José Mari Martínez Muguerza (Spain)

Real Sociedad between 1962 and 1976. A historical member of Sociedad, he played his entire 14-year career there, thus being a member of the so-called one-club men group.  He was the captain of the so-called Los héroes de Puertollano ("the heroes of Puertollano"), that helped the club to grain promation to the top flight.  He would lead them for a place in the UEFA Cup.

LCB: Mariano Arrate (Spain)

Arrate layed for Luchana from 1908 to 1909, San Sebastián (later Real Sociedad B) from 1909 to 1911, and Real Sociedad from 1911 to 1924. He featured on the losing side in the 1913 UECF Copa del Rey Final  and played alongside two younger brothers, Amador and José Miguel, in both legs of a 1919 Copa del Rey quarter-final loss to the same opposition. In addition to six official caps for Spain between 1920 and 1923.

LB:  Agustin Aranzabal (Spain)
From 1993 to 2004, Agustin Aranzabal starred for Real Sociedad. He helped the club to finish second during the 2002–03 season. He moved to Zaragoza in 2004, but could not find any successes.   He unretired in 2008, but in early 2010, he retired and joined Kitchee SC from Hong Kong, playing along side Albert Celades.  At the international level, he had 28 caps for Spain, and went to the World Cup Finals in 1998 and Euro 2000.

CM: Xabi Alonso  (Spain)

Xabi Alonso started with Real Sociedad.  He joined Liverpool in 2004 winning the Champions' League trophy in his first season.  In 2009, he moved to Real Madrid, winning the Champions' League again in 2014.  In 2014, he joined Bayern Munich. He was a key member of the Spanish team that won the WC and two European Championships.  His 114 caps make him the fifth most capped player in the nation's history.

Xabi Alonso

DM: Agustín Aranzábal "Gaztelu"  (Spain)  

Gaztelu played his entire career with Real Sociedad b 1966 and 1981etween.  He helped them to gain promotion in 1967 and was also a part of the team that won the 1980-1981 league title.  He was the only player who were on both teams. At the international level, he earned two caps for the Spanish national team. His son is Agustín Aranzábal.

DM/CM: Miguel Ángel Alonso (Spain)  
Miguel Ángel Alonso is Xabi Alonso's father.  He was a key player as Real Sociedad as they won back-to-back league titles in the 1980's.  He joined Barcelona FC in 1982 after the World Cup Finals in Spain.  He earned 20 caps between 1980 and 1982.  He retired from the national team after the World Cup Finals held in Spain. He retired at the end of the World Cup Finals from international duty.

CM: Jesus Zamora (Spain)
Jesus Zamora played his entire career with Real Sociedad.  He was the hero of the 1980-1981 La Liga winning campaign.  He scored a last minute goal that clinched the league title at the last game of the season.  He was also known for his partnership with Jesús María Satrústegui. For Spain, he was capped 30 times between 1978 and 1982.  He went to the 1980 European Champions held in Italy, and 1982 the World Cups held in Spain.

Jesus Zamora

RW/AM: Valeri Karpin (Russia)
Karpin scored Russia's first ever goal after the breakup of the Soviet Union, in a 2–0 win against Mexico in1992. Karin had 72 caps.  He played for Russia at the 1994 World Cup, Euro 96, and the 2002 World Cup. At club level, Karpin has played for Fakel Voronezh (1989), Spartak Moscow (1990–94), Real Sociedad (1994–96 and 2002–05), Valencia CF (1996–97), and Celta Vigo (1997–2002). He retired at the end of the 2004–05 season with Real Sociedad.

RM/AM: Xabi Prieto (Spain)

Xabi Prieto was a graduate of the youth system at his hometown club Real Sociedad.  He made his professional debut in 2003. He spent his entire career with Real Sociedad, playing 530 competitive matches for the club. He retired from 2018.  He is the 5th in all-time in appearancce.  He was capped five times by the Spain under-21 team between 2004 and 2005. He also played 14 friendlies for the Basque national team.

LW/LWF: Roberto Lopez Ufarte (Spain)

Nicknamed "Little Devil",  Roberto Lopez Ufarte was considered among the best players ever from Real Sociedad. He was a key player as Real Sociedad won back-to-back league titles in the early 1980's. He played for them between 1975 and 1987. He later played for Atletico Madrid and Real Betis.  He was capped 15 times between 1977 and 1982.  He appeared in the 1982 World Cup Finals, held in Spain.

Roberto Ufarte

AM: Jose Mari Bakero (Spain) 
Bakero was a member of Real Sociedad that won back-to-back La Liga champion in the 1980's.  In the 1987-1988 season, the club came second in both league and cup.  He joined Barcelona the following season. He became a key player for Barcelona's Dream Team in the 1990's. He played with Barcelona until 1997.  He was a part of the team that won the European Cup in 1992.  He earned 30 caps for Spain.

LM: Javier de Pedro (Spain)

Javier de Pedro was a product of Real Sociedad's youth system. From 1993 to 2004, he played for Real Sociedad.  He helped them to finish second in La Liga in the 2001-2002 season.  In his late career, he played for many clubs, including Blackburn Rovers, Perugia, etc.  He was capped 12 times for Spain, and played all matches at the 2002 World Cup Finals co-hosted by Japan and Korea as a starter.  He also represented Basque national team.

ST: Darko Kovačević (Yugoslavia)
Darko Kovačević started his career with Proleter and Red Star Belgrade.  After a disastrous season with Sheffield Wednesday, he made a name with Real Sociedad from 1996 to 1999.  He played in Italy for Juventus and Lazio before returing to La Real in 2001. He finished his career in Greece. He was capped 59 times for Yugoslavia between 1994 and 2004.  He went to European Championship in 2000 and the World Cup Finals in 1998.

Darko Kovacevic

FW: Nihat Kahveci  (Turkey)
Started with Besiktas in Turkey and joined Real Sociedad in 2002.  He formed a famous partnership with Darko Kovacevic there.  However, his club career was limited by an injury.  He earmed 69 caps for Turkey.  He was only used once at the World Cup Finals in 2002.  However, he was the hero of Turkey during the Euro 2008, where he scored two goals in a dramatic win over the Czech Republic.

ST: Cholín (Spain)

Cholin began his football career with the local team, Tolosa CF. Between 1927 and 1940, he played for Real Socieda. He played for the team for 11 seasons, playing 206 matches, scoring 136 goals, and winning two regional championships.  With 127 goals, he was the top scorer in the history of Real Sociedad de Fútbol for many years, until he was surpassed in the 1980s by Roberto López Ufarte (129) and Jesús María Satrústegui.  He played for Spain once.

ST: Meho Kodro (Bosnia and Herzegovina)
Meho Kodro started with FC Velez Mostar back home, but he left for Spain because the war in Yugoslavia. He joined Real Sociedad in 1991.  He was second in Pichichi Trophy in 1994-1995. He moved to Barcelona the following year.  His stint lasted a single season. He earned two caps for Yugoslavia and 13 more for Bosnia and Herzegovina.

ST: Jesús María Satrústegui (Spain)

Jesús María Satrústegui was known for his partnership with Jesus Zamora.  He was a key player as Real Sociedad won back-to-back league titles in the 1980's. He was La Real's all-time leading scorer.  He was capped 32 times for Spain.  He represented his country at the European Championship in 1980 and the 1982 FIFA World Cup.  He retired from the national team after the World Cup Finals alongside Jesus Zamora.

Jesus Maria Satrustegui

Honorable Mentions

José Ramón Esnaola (Spain), Ignacio Eizaguirre (Spain), Claudio Bravo (Chile), Gerónimo Rulli (Spain), Alberto López (Spain), 

Genaro Celayeta (Spain), Agustín Gajate (Spain), Iñigo Martínez (Spain), Robin Le Normand (Spain), Gabriel Schürrer (Argentina), José Antonio Pikabea (Spain), Julio Olaizola (Spain), 

Luis López Rekarte (Spain), Andoni Elizondo (Spain),  Santiago Idígoras (Spain), Mikel Merino (Spain), Rafael Mendiluce (Spain), Asier Illarramendi (Spain), Dionisio Urreisti (Spain), Mikel Aranburu (Spain), Txiki Begiristain (Spain),  Andoni Imaz (Spain), Iñigo Idiakez (Spain), José Diego (Spain), David Silva (Spain), Antoine Griezmann (France), Mikel Oyarzabal (Spain), Nihat Kahveci (Turkey), John Aldridge (Ireland), Paco Bienzobas (Spain), José María Pérez (Spain),  Oscar de Paula (Spain), Alexander Isak (Sweden), Carlos Vela (Mexico), Martín Zubimendi (Spain), Nihat Kahveci (Turkey).

Squad Explaination

-- In August 2016, I created this team.  I redid it 9 years later in August 2025.

-- In 2020, the AS made a list of the greatest players for Real Sociedad.  The players were Luis Miguel Arconada, Carlos Vela, Ignacio Kortabarría, Genaro Celayeta, Perico Alonso, Jose Mari Bakero, Alberto Gorriz, Jesús María Satrústegui, Jesus Zamora, Gaztelu, Robert Luis Ufarte, Agustin Gajate, Meho Kodro, Darko Kovacevic, Loren Jurrans, Valeri Karpin, Nihat Kahveci, Javier De Pedro, Xabi Alonso, Xabi Prieto, Mikel Aranburu, Rafael Mendiluce, Juan Antonio Larrañaga, Santiago Idígoras and John Aldridge.  This was not a ranking.

-- In 2024, the mejoresjugadores.com ranked the Top 10 Influential footballers for the club.  The ranking was: 1) Jesús María Satrústegui, 2) Alberto Gorriz, 3) Xabi Prieto, 4) Luis Arconada, 5)  Xabi Alonso, 6) Antoine Griezmann, 7) Darko Kovacevic, 8) Robert Luis Ufarte, 9) Juan Antonio Larrañaga and 10) John Aldridge.

-- In 2023, Mundo Deportivo created "Real Sociedad's 25 most influential player over the last 25 years".  Here are the top 6: 1) Darko Kovacevic, 2) Antonine Griezmann, 3) Xabi Prieto, 4) Carlos Vela, 5) David Silva, 6) Mikel Oyarzabal.  

-- In 2023, the Sr.Deportes created the Top 10 Greatest Footballers for the club: 1) Luis Arconada, 2) Alberto Gorriz, 3) Robert Luis Ufarte, 4) Jesús Satrústegui, 5) Loren Juarros 6) Javier De Pedro, 7) Darko Kovacevic, 8) Xabi Alonso, 9) Xabi Prieto, 10) Antonine Griezmann.

-- In 2017, Marca conducted a poll for the Greatest Best XI for LaReal.  The lineup: Luis Miguel Arconada; fullbacks Aitor López Rekarte and Agustin Aranzabal; Iñigo Martínez and Alberto Górriz; Xabi Alonso, Xabi Prieto, Valeri Karpín, Nihat Kahveci, Darko Kovacevic.  It contained a list of bench players: Claude Bravo, Inaxio Kortabarria, Gabriel Schürrer, Asier Illarramendi, Jesús Zamora, Antonine, Griezmann and Jesús María Satrústegui.  The poll was conducted long time ago and probably favored players which was considered more current in 2017.

-- In 2021, La Liga.com conducted a poll to vote for the 25 greatest players for Real Sociedad. The ranking: 1) Luis Arconada, 2) Xabi Prieto, 3) Darko Kovačević, 4) Jesús María Zamora, 5) Roberto López Ufarte, 6) Mikel Aranburu, 7) Javier de Pedro, 8) Jesús María Satrústegui, 9) Alberto Górriz, 10) Ignacio Kortabarría, 11) Jon Andoni Larrañaga, 12) Agustín Gajate, 13) Jose Agustín Aranzábal, 14) Agustín Aranzábal, 15) Aitor López Rekarte, 16) Julio Olaizola, 17) Loren Juarros, 18) Dionisio Urreisti, 19) Alberto López, 20) Miguel Ángel Fuentes, 21) Jose Diego, 22) Francisco Gorriti, 23) José Antonio Pikabea, 24) José Mari Martínez Muguerza, 25) Angel Paz.

-- Spain won European Champions in 2024 with following players: Robin Le Normand, Mikel Merino, Álex Remiro, Martín Zubimend, and Mikel Oyarzabal.

-- Real Sociedad won back-to-back league titles in 1981 and 1982, which was the club's biggest achievements.  I selected 10 players from the titles-winning team.  They are Luis Arconada, Roberto Lopez Ufarte, Jose Mari Bakero, Miguel Ángel Alonso, Santiago Idigoras, Jesus Zamora , Agustín Aranzábal "Gaztelu", Jon Andoni Larranaga, Augustin Gajate, Alberto Gorriz, Ignacio Kortabarria and Jesús María Satrústegui. Both Jon Andoni Larranaga and Augustin Gajate were not major players until after the back-to-back years.  Some of the players also won the 1987 Copa Del Rey. Txik who came after La Liga winning years was a member of the 1987 team.

-- In 1988, Jose Mari Bakero and Txiki moved together to Barcelona. They played for Johan Cruyff's "Dream Team". Their contributions were not factors in their selection here.  Luis Lopez Repartee joined Barcelona on the same deal. Meho Kodro would also join Barcelona in 1994.  Both Jose Mari Bakero and Txiki were still with them at the time.

Goalkeepers

-- Luis Arconada's blunder against France at the European Championship in 1984 hurt his reputation. He was actually one of the greatest keepers in the 1980's.  Some source even ranked him as La Real's greatest player.  

-- I had many candidates for the final two goalkeeper spots, and I needed something interesting to set each of them apart.

-- Agustín Eizaguirre is often considered the second greatest goalkeeper in the club’s history due to his historical significance. He spent 14 seasons with the San Sebastián club, becoming a key figure of his era.  He might not be the perfect candidate, but he was a safe bet to be included on the team. His son, Ignacio Eizaguirre, was also regarded as one of Spain’s finest goalkeepers at his peak and is frequently mentioned among the all-time greats from Spain. However, Ignacio won his two Zamora Trophies while playing for Valencia, and most of his international appearances for Spain also came during his time there.  Gerónimo Rulli served as the club’s first-choice goalkeeper for many years, but lacked the standout achievements to distinguish himself from the competition.  Alberto López was a loyal servant to the club with a long career, and his longevity was notable. However, he was the backup goalkeeper during the club’s memorable second-place finish in La Liga in the 2002–03 season.  Claudio Bravo, on the other hand, played a heroic role in helping the team secure promotion in 2010. Though he later rose to prominence with Barcelona and Manchester City, at Real Sociedad he was already showing signs of becoming a top-class goalkeeper.   Among the other contenders, Alex Remiro has the most impactful and recent achievements with the club. He was the starting goalkeeper when Real Sociedad won the 2020 Copa del Rey, a historic victory against arch rivals Athletic Bilbao.  As of 2025, he has become the goalkeeper with the third most appearances in the top flight for Real Sociedad, behind only two club legends: Luis Arconada and Alberto López.  Additionally, his role as Spain’s backup goalkeeper in their Euro 2024 triumph adds international prestige to his resume. So, I decided to award him with a spot.

Alex Remiro

Defenders

-- Alberto Gorriz was a key player that helped La Real to win the two historical La Liga titles won in 1981 and 1982 as well as Copa del Rey in 1987.  Górriz held the club appearance record at the time of his retirement.  He is considered one of the "Txuri-Urdin" 's greatest players.  

-- The mejoresjugadores and La Liga put Juan Antonio Larrañaga as the 9th and 11th greatest player for La Real respectively.  He was a midfielder who turned into a sweeper.

-- Ignacio Kortabarria was a key player for the club's two La Liga titles.  Agustín Gajate did not play much in the 1981 and 1982 titles winning season, but he would replace Kortabarria as Gorriz's defensive partner forming one of the best defensive unit of the club.  I was tempted to reunite Gajate with Gorriz, but Ignacio Kortabarria won the two league titles and ranked 10th by La Liga.

-- José Mari Martínez Muguerza was one of the players known as the "Heroes of Puertollano" who heoped the club to grain promotion in the late 1960's.  Then, he would play 8 seasons in the top-flight helping the club to a place in the UEFA Cup.   Gajate lost out because I did not want to select all four central defenders from the same era. He did play with Kortabarria, but he retired in 1976 before the two La Liga titles.

-- The fans voted Iñigo Martínez into the All-Time team by the Marca's poll in 2017 before he moved to rival Athletic Bilboa in 2018.  The outcome could have been different if the poll was conducted after the transfer.  Robin Le Normand helped La Real to win the 2021 Copa Del Rey and Spain to win the European Championship in 2024.  But I left them off.

-- Aitor López Rekarte played 338 games for Real Sociedad. He initially joined the first team to cover for an injured Agustín Aranzabal at left-back and also played a few games in midfield. Later, he became an undisputed fixture at right-back for many seasons. His older brother, Luis López Rekarte, formed a defensive quartet with Alberto Górriz, Agustín Gajate, and Juan Antonio Larrañaga, winning the Copa del Rey in 1987. After losing the 1988 Copa del Rey final to FC Barcelona, Luis joined the Catalan club alongside teammates José Mari Bakero and Txiki Begiristain. I selected Aitor, while Luis only made honorable mentions. Miguel Ángel Fuentes was ranked the 20th greatest player in a La Liga poll, but younger fans might recognize his name because he served as the club's president between 2005 and 2007. Of course, he was also ranked 6th in appearance record, which helped his case.  Meanwhile, AS selected Genaro Celayeta as one of La Real's 25 greatest players in a poll conducted by experts, but I decided to take Miguel Fuentes.

Aitor López Rekarte

-- Agustín Aranzábal was an undisputed selection for this position. He was on almost every list. Without a clear second choice, I decided to take Mariano Arrate.  He was not considered a leftback.  He was a left-side central defender in a era when the leftback position did not exist.  Rekarte would cover for him in the team if he did not work out as a leftback.  I put Julio Olaizola on honorable mention.  

Midfielders/Wingers

-- Xabi Alonso only played for them between 2000 and 2004. However, he was the captain of the side that finished second place in the 2002–03 season.  Almost every source ranked him among the greatest ever. He was also of homegrown and "royal blood".  Miguel Ángel Alonso "Periko" is the father of Xabi Alonso and Mikel Alonso.  Mikel was less known than his younger brother Xabi. The brothers were on the same team briefly. José Agustín Aranzábal Askasibar also known as "Gaztelu" is the father of Agustín Aranzábal.  He was a hardworking midfielder.  This position became a family affair as I selected Xabi Alonso, Periko Alonso and Gaztelu.

-- Martin Zubimendi and Mikel Merino won a European Championship with Spain as La Real players. Zubimendi might have a chance, but I already had Xabi Alonso.

-- On the right, Valeri Karpin was a rare star player from the Soviet Union in the 2000's. Xabi Prieto also could play as a right midfielder.  He was one club player who was often ranked as the club's greatest players. The team does not need another right-side attacker. I left Dionisio Urreisti on the honorable mention.

Xabi Prieto

-- Roberto López Ufarte stands as one of Real Sociedad's all-time greats, ranking 3rd greatest player in the La Liga.com, 3rd in Sr.Deportes, 2023, and 8th mejoresjugadores.com, 2024)—and earning a spot in Marca's 2017 Best XI.  Meanwhile, Javier de Pedro was ranked 6th by Sr.Deportes and 7th by La Liga.com.  They easily took the two spots.  Txiki Begiristain was more famous than both players, but it was more because of being a part of the Barcelona's Dream Team.  Santiago Idígoras nicknamed "El Vikingo de Oñati (Viking from Oñati" also did not get into the team.  He was from the 1980's team.  Mikel Oyarzabal is already the 4th All-Time leading scorer.  He also won a Copa Del Rey over here and the European Championship with Spain. So, he won't break into this team.

-- For attack midfielders, Jesús Zamora was the organizer of the team from midfield for the greatest team in Real Sociedad’s history. I believed that he played in a deeper role.  He played alongside legends like Arconada, Satrústegui, López Ufarte, and Bakero, among others.  Xabi Prieto, Valeri Karpin and Jesus Zamora could operate in this advanced position.  David Silva came at the end of his career for two seasons.  So, it was enough for a place on the team.   So, I took José Mari Bakero.  

Forwards

-- From the 1980's, Jesús María Satrústegui was known for his partnership with Jesus Zamora. He was the club's All-time top scorer. Jesus Zamora scored a last second goal that gave Real Sociedad the 1980-1982 La Liga title. Both were legends of the club.

--John Aldridge was the first non-Basque player to sign for Sociedad in several decades as they changed their selective recruitment policy.  His strike rate was good, but it did not carry the same legendary status.  Meanwhile, Darko Kovačević also played briefly for the club, but he was ranked favourably by every sources as the top strikers of the club.  If I selected Darko Kovacevic, I have to take Nihat Kahveci as well. They were known for their partnership.  

-- With 127 goals, Cholín was the top scorer in the history of Real Sociedad de Fútbol for many years, until he was surpassed in the 1980s by Roberto López Ufarte (129) and Jesús María Satrústegui (162).  He was largely forgotten by the fans.  So, I have to honor him by giving him a place.

-- Meho Kodro always netting in double digits for the Basques, including 23 in the 1993–94 season and a career-best 25 in the following year (including a hat-trick in the Basque derby) and finishing second in the Pichichi Trophy race to Real Madrid's Iván Zamorano.

Meho Kodro

-- Loren Juarros played both as a central defender and striker.

-- Pedro Uralde should have made the team, but I did not have the space.  He was from the glorious team of the early 1980's.  I took his teammate Santiago Idigoras over him because Idigoras was a left wing.

-- Oscar de Paula seldom started for the club.  He was mainly used a substitute who scored a lot of goals after coming off the bench. I put him on honourable mention.
-- Paco Bienzobas was the first ever Pichichi Trophy winner in 1926, but the forward positve was hard to get into.

Formation