Athletic Bilbao has been one of the most impressive teams in La Liga this season, and their defense is playing a crucial role in their success. The Basque side has conceded just four goals in their first 11 matches, which is the lowest number of goals conceded by any team in the league so far.

One of the key strengths of Athletic Bilbao's defense is their ability to defend set pieces well. They have only given up two penalties all season, with goalkeeper Iker Casillas being particularly impressive in that regard. This has allowed them to control possession and create chances on the counterattack.

Another strength of Athletic Bilbao's defense is their physicality. They have a strong squad of players who can tackle and win balls in the air, which gives them a significant advantage in games against bigger opponents.

The team also possesses good communication between its defenders, which allows them to work together as a unit. This has helped them to maintain a high defensive line and keep their opponents at bay for long periods of time.

In addition to these strengths, Athletic Bilbao's defense also features some talented individuals. Players like Sergio Canales, David Silva, and Iago Aspas have all played key roles in the team's success this season.

Overall, Athletic Bilbao's precise defensive performance is a testament to their unique strengths. By defending set pieces well, possessing good physicality, communicating effectively, and featuring talented individuals, they have become one of the most formidable defenses in La Liga. With such a strong defense, it will be interesting to see how they fare in the rest of the season.