The European champions Spain may have secured their Euro 2024 title with a late goal, but recent developments suggest this could be the dawn of an even more formidable era for the team heading into the World Cup.
A New Striking Force Emerges
Mikel Oyarzabal’s decisive strike in the Euro 2024 final against England marked a significant moment. Now, the forward appears to be a central figure in a revitalized Spanish squad aiming for World Cup success. This shift comes as Alvaro Morata, captain in the previous tournament, finds himself outside the current squad after a goalless season in Serie A.
Oyarzabal has capitalized on his opportunities, netting 13 goals in his last 16 international appearances since that pivotal night. Once a winger for Real Sociedad, the 29-year-old has been successfully transitioned to a central attacking role. Gaizka Mendieta, a veteran of the 2002 World Cup, believes Oyarzabal is poised to make a significant impact.
“Oyarzabal will surprise a lot of people,” Mendieta stated. “People will be thinking about Lamine Yamal, all the Barca guys. But Oyarzabal just won the cup with Real Sociedad and has improved his game a lot.”
Record-Breaking Form
Remarkably, Oyarzabal has already climbed into the top 10 all-time leading goalscorers for the Spanish men’s national team, surpassing Alfredo Di Stefano. His current scoring rate for Spain exceeds that of legendary figures like Emiliano Butragueno, Raul, and Fernando Torres.
“He used to play more in the wider areas,” Mendieta explained. “Now he is playing more centrally and he is scoring goals in key games. The work ethic that he has is unbelievable. He is not a big name among the fans but I think he is a fantastic player.”
Fabian Ruiz: The Unsung Hero Steps Up
While Lamine Yamal, Barcelona’s prodigious talent, garners considerable attention, and with the inclusion of established stars like Rodri, Spain enters the World Cup as a strong favorite. However, the emergence of previously overlooked talents is a key factor in their elevated status.
Fabian Ruiz is another player who has significantly boosted his profile, securing back-to-back Champions League titles with Paris Saint-Germain. Despite Manchester City’s Rodri being named player of the tournament at Euro 2024, Fabian arguably delivered a more impactful performance. His recent success has finally brought him the recognition he deserves.
“I love everything about him,” Mendieta commented. “For someone of his height, because he is a big guy, he is very dynamic too. The image of him that comes into my head with him is when he finds himself surrounded by players and he just spins around and away. He is very agile for someone of his size.”
“He can score goals, he can play in different positions. He can play at the base of the midfield or he can play as a No 10. He is a fantastic player. Unluckily for him, the competition in midfield is tough but now his time has come and he is proving his value.”
A Confident and Flexible Squad
The midfield combination of Fabian, Rodri, and Pedri offers immense class and tactical versatility for manager Luis de la Fuente. With Nico Williams and Lamine Yamal providing width, Oyarzabal is expected to receive ample service throughout the tournament.
Spain boasts an impressive unbeaten streak of 31 competitive matches, with a penalty shootout loss in the Nations League final not impacting this remarkable run. “They have been very consistent in performances and results,” Mendieta observed.
He described a team that plays with “a lot of confidence in the way they play, the way they do things” and a squad featuring “very young players but a lot of character.” He added, “If there is a crack somewhere then teams will expose it. But it is a very solid team.”
Potential Roadblocks and Depth
Concerns linger about whether the squad will arrive at the World Cup in peak condition. Key players like Rodri have experienced a stop-start season, while Fabian is still regaining full fitness. Lamine Yamal faced an injury scare late in Barcelona’s season, and Nico Williams has had a disrupted year with Athletic Club.
However, the depth within the Spanish squad provides De La Fuente with numerous options. Players such as Dani Olmo, Gavi, and Ferran Torres from Barcelona, alongside Arsenal’s Martin Zubimendi and Mikel Merino, are all capable of contributing significantly. The precedent set by Oyarzabal’s decisive impact at the Euros underscores the fact that Spain consistently has players ready to step up when called upon.
