Between white apartment buildings and an artificial pitch in Berio, San Sebastian, a strip of land became the starting point for Mikel Arteta, Xabi Alonso, and Andoni Iraola. Roberto Montiel, Antiguoko's long-serving coach and vice-president, recalls the old gravel pitch where the trio learned their craft. "The pitch wasn't like the new one up there. It was smaller and made of small stones, like gravel.

The balls weren't like the ones now either. When they got wet, they became heavy. You would slip and slide, and if you fell, you'd end up with a terrible scrape," Montiel remembers.

Even then, their vision for the game stood out, according to Montiel. The games played here by these celebrated alumni, two of whom meet as managers when Arsenal face Chelsea on Sky Sports on Sunday, are the stuff of local legend. Alvaro Parra, a former team-mate and close friend of Arteta's, describes the era's teams as incredible.

Games against Real Sociedad and Athletic Club were easily won, often 5-0, earning them the nickname "Basque Dream Team." The club continues producing talent, with over 40 signed shirts displayed near Ondarreta beach. Yet it remains remarkable that three players born within 15 miles of each other, only seven months apart in Gipuzkoa, Spain's smallest province, have achieved such heights. "If I really think about it, it's absolutely crazy that our three friends are managing these Premier League teams," says Parra. Arteta, described as a "predator on the pitch," was especially notable for his technical skill and cleverness, always thinking about his next pass.