Oyarzabal's Rise to Prominence
While much attention has focused on the young talent Lamine Yamal throughout Spain's World Cup journey, it is veteran striker Mikel Oyarzabal who has consistently delivered crucial goals. The 29-year-old Real Sociedad forward netted twice in Spain's comfortable 3-0 victory over Austria, securing their progression to the last 16 and marking their first knockout win in 16 years.
Spanish football expert Guillem Balague noted Oyarzabal's understated yet effective presence, stating, "Mikel Oyarzabal is the invisible man, he has scored in every final he has ever played. He is one of the most intelligent players we have and he is the other one who can be a match-winner."
Career Resurgence and Goal-Scoring Form
Oyarzabal's international career, which began a decade ago, has seen him largely operate outside the intense media glare. A ruptured anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) ruled him out of the 2022 World Cup. However, since his recovery, he has enjoyed a remarkable resurgence. His two goals against Austria brought his tally to 17 in his last 16 international starts, with four goals already in the current tournament.
Balague highlighted this impressive form, remarking, "His last two seasons, since he recovered, are the best of his career. Four goals in the World Cup - our most decisive player, no doubt."
Former Spain defender Cesar Azpilicueta also commented on Oyarzabal's adaptation, noting, "Sometimes people are in doubt about Spain because of the centre-forward, but Oyarzabal is doing the job. A few years ago, Oyarzabal was playing a bit more on the right wing and he has transitioned more into the middle."
Leveraging Space and Unique Background
Oyarzabal's goal-scoring prowess is further amplified by the presence of Lamine Yamal, whose dribbling and ball control draw defenders, creating vital space for Oyarzabal. Former Germany midfielder Thomas Hitzlsperger explained, "When you have someone in your team like Lamine Yamal who attracts so much attention, you know you will get more space. Oyarzabal uses that space, gets the ball, and scores goals."
A rare 'one-club man' for Real Sociedad, Oyarzabal attributes his goal-scoring instinct to his childhood experience playing hockey. "I used to play hockey and I scored many goals," he revealed. "I always had this voice in my head, 'It doesn't matter if you missed one - there will be more'. I could smell goals, and that voice was always in my head."
Spain's World Cup Ambitions
Beyond Oyarzabal's individual brilliance, the Spanish national team is demonstrating strong form. They are currently on a 34-game unbeaten streak and have netted eight goals in four matches at the World Cup without conceding any. Former England striker Dion Dublin believes Spain has more to offer: "I think Spain have got more gears to go through. They were comfortable playing in third or fourth gear against Austria because they knew the opposition didn't have anything to offer. That's the key. When they are playing against France or Portugal, whoever it may be, they will just up their game again. I think they have a lot more to offer which is a frightening thing for the rest of the teams in the competition."
Source: Original Article
