National Team Goalkeeper Battle: Who Starts?

He recital of stops by Joan García In the match against Espanyol, in which he also had extra pressure from the stands due to his transfer to Barcelona after declaring his eternal love for the Cornellá club, he has fueled the competition in the Spanish team’s goal.

What is seen in the eyes of any observer, García’s impressive level, is transformed into extensive critical opinion regarding his inclusion in the Spanish team, his summons to the World Cup in the United States, Mexico and Canada and his access to the starting position against Unai Simon.

Joan García’s hierarchy has grown since last season, when he was decisive in the salvation of Espanyol and led to his signing for Barcelona with his saves. García has assumed more responsibility as a goalkeeper for a big team and Hansi Flick, his coach, did not hesitate to affirm that he is “number one” in the club’s rankings.

But Luis de la Fuente is the European champion with a team built according to his criteria and that has dazzled the world with fluid, open and attacking football that counts his interventions for numerous victories: 33 of 37 games with the coach.

Already De la Fuente likes Unai Simon. This was seen in criticism of the press after the semifinal of the last Nationes League in June against France. «I am especially happy for Unai, who has been very mistreated for a long time. And questioned. I hope that some now recognize the value it has,” he noted.

Joan García’s enormous performance may force De la Fuente to change plans. Unai has been indisputable, David Raya has looked at great height when the Athletic goalkeeper had wrist surgery, and Alex Remiro has accepted his role as third passenger without protesting and forming a group. When the coach opened the door, he let Robert Sánchez, from Chelsea, enter.

«We have five or six goalkeepers among the best in the world. But no one talks about Robert Sánchez (Chelsea) or Leo Román (Mallorca) either. And Joan García, obviously too. “We have several fantastic goalkeepers in Spain,” said De la Fuente addressing the issue in an interview with As.

«It is true that now we are betting on these three. And we are very delighted with Unai (Simon), David (Raya) and Álex (Remiro). We’ll see what happens between now and March, and look at the time left between now and June. At that moment the decision that needs to be made will have to be made. Some people will like it more and others less, but I’m going to like it one hundred percent. “Whatever decision I make, I will be convinced that it is the best,” commented De la Fuente, who will not offer a new call until the end of March, when Spain will face Argentina in Qatar (March 27) in the so-called ‘Finalisíma’ that measures the European champion against the American champion.

Unai Simon’s performance with the national team has been impeccable to date, with hardly any errors and stellar matches during the period with Luis de la Fuente, in which he has overcome his initial doubts in footwork with Luis Enrique. For many analysts, the level of David Raya It has been superior to Unai’s during the period of his injury, from Euro 2024 until the winter of that year.

Now Joan García arrives with all the echo in favor of the Catalan press that covers the selection and that will prolong the debate. «I wouldn’t say that the World Cup is a goal, My goal is to improve day by day and continue advancing with Barcelona. Obviously, every player likes to go with the national team. If it arrives in the future, I will be happy and proud,” he commented this Tuesday in Saudi Arabia, in the preview of Barcelona-Athletic.

«I have a lot to improve. I have to try to do my best. Saturday’s game was special for me and I know I can improve more, he said. Nowadays mental health is very important. You have to be focused on the game. I work by visualizing what I’m going to find on game day and that way you won’t be so surprised by what you might find.”