Vitoria-Gasteiz, Spain – As Spain prepares for this summer’s World Cup, the position between the posts appears secure, for now. Unai Simón, the Athletic Bilbao goalkeeper, has firmly established himself as the first-choice shot-stopper for La Roja, a status solidified under both Luis Enrique and current national team manager Luis de la Fuente. However, a wealth of talent vying for the position ensures the competition remains fierce, with De la Fuente carefully managing expectations and preparing for potential shifts in the squad.
Simón’s journey to becoming Spain’s primary goalkeeper began during the pandemic, earning his debut in November 2020 in a friendly against the Netherlands under Luis Enrique. He hasn’t relinquished the role since. The trust placed in him by Enrique, who also demanded improved distribution with his feet, has continued under De la Fuente, despite the emergence of promising alternatives like Joan García, David Raya, and Álex Remiro.
De la Fuente acknowledges the depth of talent available, stating, “Joan will have his moment, but Unai Simón is Unai Simón, David Raya is another superb goalkeeper and Álex Remiro, exactly the same.” This sentiment underscores the manager’s belief in Simón’s consistent performance and established presence within the national team setup. The manager is, however, subtly preparing for a potential transition, reminiscent of the shift from Iker Casillas to David de Gea years ago, a “sweet transition” as former manager Vicente del Bosque termed it.
Recent squad selections and on-field decisions demonstrate De la Fuente’s commitment to Simón. Ahead of a recent international friendly against Serbia, García was the odd man out, left out of the 26-man matchday squad despite being included in the initial 27-player call-up. This move, while seemingly minor, signaled a clear message of confidence in the established goalkeeping hierarchy. De la Fuente emphasized the importance of team spirit, noting that even those not selected understand their role and continue to support the squad, mirroring a similar approach taken with injured midfielder Gavi, who was invited to the Euro 2024 final despite being unable to play.
During the match against Serbia, Simón further cemented his position, not only starting in a lineup that closely resembled the expected World Cup XI but also captaining the side for the final minutes. De la Fuente was emphatic in his support, stating, “I don’t need to reaffirm Unai. It would be unfair if we didn’t value Unai Simón’s quality, class, trajectory, professional and personal baggage. We must respect his condition and his trajectory.” He also highlighted the quality of Raya, consistently lauded as one of the best goalkeepers in the English Premier League, and acknowledged the potential of García and Remiro, stressing that each player will have their opportunity in time.
The decision to play Simón for the full 90 minutes against Serbia was deliberate, De la Fuente explained, recognizing the unique considerations surrounding the goalkeeper position. “We understand that it is a special position. The moment will reach when one or the other has to play, but it is not so easy to change in that demarcation because they are positions that require another treatment, recognizing that there are three other exceptional goalkeepers.”
While Simón’s position appears secure for now, De la Fuente isn’t ruling out opportunities for the other goalkeepers, potentially in upcoming friendlies. A friendly against Egypt in Barcelona presents a possible opportunity for another goalkeeper to feature. The manager is mindful of the path Simón has taken, recalling his dedication to playing through injury at Euro 2024 and undergoing surgery to ensure his fitness for the national team.
De la Fuente praised the camaraderie among the goalkeepers, noting the supportive atmosphere within the squad. He highlighted Joan García’s positive attitude and ability to integrate seamlessly into the team, qualities demonstrated during his time with the Olympic team. This positive dynamic is crucial as De la Fuente navigates the difficult task of selecting just three goalkeepers for the World Cup squad.
The upcoming match against Egypt will likely provide further insight into De la Fuente’s thinking. David Raya previously debuted against Albania in a friendly in Barcelona, and a similar scenario could unfold on Tuesday. “We’ll see what happens until Tuesday and we’ll assess. The only regret I have is leaving one out, but let’s wait and not be so impatient,” De la Fuente said. He reiterated his belief in the exceptional goalkeeping talent within Spain, stating there are at least six world-class goalkeepers currently competing for a spot.
The manager is deliberately delaying a final decision on the World Cup squad, aiming to give each goalkeeper a fair opportunity to impress. He recognizes the importance of maintaining a strong team spirit and ensuring that all players sense valued, even those who may not make the final cut. The situation highlights the enviable depth of talent available to De la Fuente as he prepares to lead Spain into the tournament.
Unai Simón’s continued presence as Spain’s No. 1 is a testament to his consistent performances, unwavering dedication, and the trust placed in him by successive national team managers. While the competition for the position remains intense, Simón has proven himself to be a reliable and commanding presence between the posts, and he is poised to play a key role in Spain’s World Cup campaign.
Spain’s next confirmed match is against Egypt on March 31st in Barcelona. Fans can follow updates on the official RFEF (Royal Spanish Football Federation) website and social media channels for the latest team news and match details.
