*Club domestic league appearances and goals, correct as of 14:17, 25 July 2024 (UTC)
Miguel Ángel de las Cuevas Barberá (born 19 June 1986) is a Spanish professional footballer. A versatile midfield element, he can play both in the wings and behind the forwards, but usually occupies the attacking midfielder position.
On 25 June 2009, after producing slightly the same numbers with Atlético, de las Cuevas moved to fellow top-tier side Sporting de Gijón on a four-year deal. However, Atlético retained an option to rebuy in the first three.[4] He had a breakthrough season in 2009–10, ranking second in goals in the team at eight;[5] highlights included braces against RCD Mallorca (4–1),[6]Athletic Bilbao (2–1, away)[7] and one against former club Atlético (1–1) that certified Sporting's permanence in the top flight for a further year, on 8 May 2010.[8]
Still under manager Manuel Preciado, de las Cuevas was again an undisputed starter for Gijón in the 2010–11 campaign.[9] On 2 April 2011, he scored the only goal in a win over Real Madrid at the Santiago Bernabéu Stadium, ending José Mourinho's record of nine years and 150 league matches unbeaten at home;[10] he only missed one league game and netted six times, in another final escape from relegation.[5]
Osasuna
De las Cuevas was loaned to CA Osasuna on 11 January 2013, thus returning to the top flight.[11] The move was made permanent in late May after the Navarrese managed to retain their status, with a €1.2 million fee being paid in equal shares to Atlético and Sporting.[12]
Spezia
On 29 January 2015, de las Cuevas terminated his contract that ran until June 2016, and moved abroad for the first time in his career at the age of 28, signing with Spezia Calcio in Italy.[13][14] His first appearance in the Serie B occurred on 14 February, as he featured 73 minutes in a 0–0 draw at Carpi F.C. 1909.[15]
In late September 2015, de las Cuevas successfully underwent surgery to his heart after an anomaly was detected. He was sidelined for six months.[16][17]
Later career
De las Cuevas returned to Osasuna on 1 February 2016, on a free transfer.[18] He left the club in July 2018 after his contract expired, and signed a one-year deal with Córdoba CF on 31 August.[19]
De las Cuevas scored nine times in 2018–19, but his team suffered relegation from the second tier. He continued to be first choice the following years,[20] contributing a career-best 13 goals to a promotion to division three in 2022 and being voted the Group IV's best player in the process.[21]