Ander Iturraspe believes that Athletic Bilbao should be praised for their start to the season.

The Basque outfit, who struggled last season, currently sit fifth in the La Liga table, having collected 23 points from their 13 matches this season.

"It is funny. It is true that we can play better, but we have shown that as a team we are competitive and can play well during difficult moments," the 24-year-old told reporters at a press conference.

"I believe that this has not been valued enough. I understand that at Athletic the demands are the greatest, but we must take into account that as the group competes well and is winning games that last year we did not. In football today it is very difficult and so we deserve much credit."

Bilbao also have one of the strongest home records in Spain, having won five and drawn two of their seven league matches at San Mames.