From 'Invisible Man' to Spain's Most Decisive Player – Oyarzabal Shines at World Cup
Mikel Oyarzabal, once overlooked, has become Spain's key attacker at the World Cup, scoring 12 goals in his last 12 international appearances and emerging as the team's most decisive player in the tournament.
Mikel Oyarzabal, who spent much of his decade-long international career in the shadows, is now Spain's go-to forward. After missing the 2022 World Cup due to a ruptured ACL, he has returned in stellar form: 12 goals in his last 12 appearances, and 17 in his last 16 starts, including four goals at this World Cup.
Football journalist Guillem Balague noted that Oyarzabal's last two seasons since recovery are the best of his career. Oyarzabal has transitioned from a right-winger to a central striker, becoming the focal point of Spain's attack. Former Spain defender Cesar Azpilicueta highlighted that while doubts about Spain's centre-forward persist, Oyarzabal is performing admirably.
Since the start of last year, only Norway's Erling Haaland (22 goals) has scored more international goals than Oyarzabal. He also became the first Spanish player to score twice in a World Cup knockout match since Emilio Butragueno in 1986.
Part of Oyarzabal's success is due to teammate Lamine Yamal, whose dribbling and control draw defenders, creating space. Former Germany midfielder Thomas Hitzlsperger observed that Oyarzabal exploits that space effectively to score.
Oyarzabal is a rare one-club player, having spent his entire career at Real Sociedad. Last season he scored 15 league goals, matching his national team form. He credits his goal-scoring instinct to playing hockey as a child: "I always had this voice in my head—it doesn't matter if you missed one; there will be more."
Spain remain strong World Cup contenders, with their unbeaten run extending to 34 games and no goals conceded in the tournament. Former England striker Dion Dublin said Spain have more gears to go through, which is a frightening prospect for other teams.
