VILLARREAL, Spain – The debate over who should lead the line for the Spanish national team appears to be over. Mikel Oyarzabal, the Real Sociedad forward, is making an undeniable case for himself, consistently delivering goals and assists that have propelled him into the history books and solidified his position as La Roja’s primary attacking threat. His recent performance against Serbia, where he scored a crucial goal, not only contributed to a friendly victory but also saw him reach a significant milestone in his international career.
A Rising Star in Spanish Football History
Oyarzabal’s goal against Serbia wasn’t just another tally; it moved him into the top ten all-time leading goalscorers for Spain, equaling the records of legendary figures Sergio Ramos and Alfredo Di Stéfano. This achievement underscores the impact he’s having on the national team and his growing legacy within Spanish football. The 27-year-old’s rise has been particularly notable under the guidance of national team manager Luis de la Fuente, who clearly trusts the forward to deliver on the biggest stage.
The build-up to the goal itself was a testament to Spain’s attacking fluidity. Lamine initiated the play, Fermín provided the assist, Baena cleverly allowed the ball to run, and Oyarzabal finished with a precise, curling shot. It was a display of teamwork and individual brilliance that has become a hallmark of Oyarzabal’s recent performances. He followed that up with another stunning strike, a powerful left-footed shot that found the top corner of the net, showcasing his ability to score from a variety of angles and distances.
An Unprecedented Run of Form
Oyarzabal isn’t just scoring goals; he’s consistently contributing to Spain’s attack. He’s currently on a remarkable run of form, having either scored or assisted in his last ten international appearances – a feat unmatched by any other Spanish player. This incredible streak has silenced any lingering doubts about his suitability for the No. 9 role. Over the past year, Oyarzabal has amassed 11 goals and 6 assists in just 10 matches for La Roja, totaling 17 goal contributions.
To put that into perspective, his recent contributions include a brace against the Netherlands in the Nations League quarterfinals, two assists against France, a goal against Portugal, another against Bulgaria, and a hat-trick of assists against Turkey. This consistent output demonstrates his versatility and importance to the team’s attacking strategy. Since Luis de la Fuente took the helm, Oyarzabal has scored 18 goals for Spain, adding to the six he had previously scored, demonstrating a significant increase in his productivity under the current manager.
A Shift in the Spanish Attack
Oyarzabal’s emergence as a consistent goalscorer has subtly shifted the dynamics of the Spanish attack. Previously, Álvaro Morata was often seen as the primary option up front, but Oyarzabal’s form has made him increasingly undroppable. His goal against Serbia was his 24th for Spain, surpassing both Sergio Ramos and Ferran Torres in the national team’s all-time scoring charts.
His journey to this point began with the crucial goal he scored in the Euro 2024 final against Italy, a moment that cemented his place in Spanish football folklore. That goal wasn’t just a winner; it marked a turning point in his career, establishing him as a reliable and decisive player for the national team. He’s now just two goals away from equaling Emilio Butragueño’s tally, a figure that has long been a benchmark for Spanish strikers.
Oyarzabal’s success isn’t simply about individual brilliance; it’s also about his ability to thrive within a team framework. He benefits from the creativity of his teammates, such as Lamine and Fermín, and his intelligent movement creates space for others. This combination of individual skill and tactical awareness makes him a formidable opponent for any defense.
What’s Next for Oyarzabal and Spain?
With Euro 2024 now in the rearview mirror, Spain will be looking to build on their success and continue their preparations for future tournaments. Oyarzabal will undoubtedly be a key figure in those plans. The team’s next confirmed fixture is a friendly against Brazil on June 12, 2026, at the Santiago Bernabéu in Madrid (19:30 CET / 13:30 EDT). This match will provide another opportunity for Oyarzabal to showcase his talent and further solidify his position as Spain’s leading striker.
The question now isn’t whether Oyarzabal deserves to start for Spain, but rather how Luis de la Fuente can best utilize his skills to maximize the team’s attacking potential. As Oyarzabal continues to score and assist, he’s not only silencing his critics but also inspiring a modern generation of Spanish football fans.
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