Place of birth Irun, Spain Name Alberto Fernandez Manages Deportivo Alaves 1987 Real Sociedad Position Goalkeeper | 1986 Dumboa Height 1.82 m Playing position Role Footballer | |
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Full name Alberto Lopez Fernandez Date of birth (1969-05-20) 20 May 1969 (age 46) Team coached Deportivo Alaves (Manager, since 2014) | ||
Alberto López Fernández (born 20 May 1969), known simply as Alberto, is a Spanish retired footballer who played as a goalkeeper, and a current manager.
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A player with good one-on-one skills he had a weakness in crossing situations, and spent the bulk of his career at Real Sociedad, for which he appeared in 378 official games.
Real Sociedad
A product of Basque Country giants Real Sociedad's youth system, Alberto was born in Irun, and made his first appearances with the first team in the closing stages of the 1992–93 season, having played understudy to the inconsistent Javier Yubero for most of the year. He would be the undisputed starter from the following campaign onwards, missing only seven La Liga games in the next seven years combined (in 1997–98, as Real ranked third, he played all 38 matches and conceded 37 goals).
From 2001–02 onwards, Alberto had to compete for the starting job with newly signed Sander Westerveld. He finished the season with 18 appearances, but had only one in the following campaign as the Dutchman was first-choice for the runners-up.
Valladolid
Following the emergenge of another youth squads' product, Asier Riesgo, Alberto was deemed surplus to requirements and joined Real Valladolid in Segunda División on a one-year deal. In 2006–07, he helped the side return to the top flight after a three-year absence, while also collecting a Ricardo Zamora Trophy – 36 matches, 29 goals.
In the following season, Alberto acted as backup and helped develop wonderkid Sergio Asenjo (20 years his junior), and had his contract extended until June 2009 after which he retired at the age of 40.