The Spanish national team: Oyarzabal is a rare gem

Though not as noticed as Lamine Yamal, Mikel Oyarzabal is demonstrating immense influence on Spain, with historic goals.

Coach De la Fuente believes Oyarzabal excels in everything he asks for, because "he understands the game very well; knows how to play between the lines; understands off-the-ball movement."

Oyarzabal's History

What Mikel Oyarzabal displays in the Spanish national team jersey is becoming extraordinary. Not distracted by the King's Cup final that Real Sociedad – the club he is symbolically tied to – will play at La Cartuja on April 18 against Atletico Madrid, he continued with a top-class performance last weekend at La Ceramica, defeating Serbia 3-0.

Oyarzabal's brace, truly of "big-class" caliber, places him among the Top 10 in national team history. With 24 goals, he has caught up with teammate Ferran Torres. His near-future target is Butragueno (25 goals). Just ahead are Fernando Morientes (27) and Fernando Hierro (29). Further ahead are David Silva (35), Alvaro Morata (37), Fernando Torres (38), Raul Gonzalez (44). The almost unreachable figure is David Villa (59).

Oyarzabal has also surpassed Salinas (22 goals) to become the Basque player with the most goals in Spain's history. That's not all. Historically, only David Villa – 6 matches – has a longer consecutive scoring streak than Oyarzabal. With 5 consecutive scoring matches, Oyarzabal matches the achievements of legends like Zarra or Kubala. In his last 10 matches for the national team, he has scored 11 goals.

Oyarzabal's name was etched into history with the decisive goal against England in the EURO 2024 final, but few ever thought the Sociedad forward would play such a central role as he does now – especially since he previously often played wide on both wings. Only when circumstances forced a change, and also because he had tested him in this position at U21, coach Luis de la Fuente realized that in the current team structure, Oyarzabal could play as a striker.

The Leader of "La Roja"

Time has proven that decision correct, because the Sociedad captain is not just a "goal-scorer." He always plays with high collective spirit, can initiate pressing without being an overly explosive physical player. No one understands Oyarzabal better than De la Fuente. They were key links when Spain won the U21 European Championship in 2019, alongside Dani Olmo, Mikel Merino, Fabian Ruiz, Dani Ceballos.

Oyarzabal began becoming important during Luis Enrique's tenure. He played in all matches at EURO 2021, played a decisive role in the round of 16 with a goal in extra time against Croatia, and in the quarter-finals by successfully executing the decisive penalty that sent Spain to the semi-finals against Switzerland. After a serious injury, with the change of era, De la Fuente patiently waited for his full recovery before recalling him. And like Luis Enrique, he also trusted giving Mikel playing opportunities. Whether little or much, Oyarzabal featured in every match at EURO 2024, with the peak being the goal against England in the final.

His full affirmation in the number 9 position came from the Nations League quarter-final return match against the Netherlands in March last year: A brace and a brilliant performance at Mestalla. From the final flashes of Morata's brilliance, Spain has transitioned to a striker model not outstandingly superior in one specific skill, but nearly comprehensive in every aspect. 11 goals in the last 10 matches is clear proof. He is the number 9 choice for the World Cup.

His value is not only in goals. Oyarzabal's ability to read the game is rare. At 28, he is heading towards a promising end-of-season phase: The King's Cup final and then the World Cup. He has always been highly rated by experts. Now, recognition from fans is also arriving – something equally important.

"If anyone asks me who could be a coach, it's Oyarzabal," De la Fuente said. If he scores against Egypt on the night of March 31, he will match Villa.