Mikel Oyarzabal may not carry the biggest name in the Spain squad, but the Real Sociedad striker has emerged as their most influential player at this tournament. The 29-year-old scored twice as the reigning European champions beat Austria 3-0 in their last-32 tie, securing Spain’s first knockout win in 16 years and a place in the last 16.
The double took Oyarzabal’s tally to four goals at this World Cup and extended a remarkable run to 17 goals in his last 16 starts. Before the tournament, he had scored 12 goals in 12 international appearances, arriving in the form of his life — and having missed the 2022 World Cup in Qatar after rupturing his anterior cruciate ligament in his left knee.
Spanish football expert Guillem Balague told BBC Radio 5 Live that Oyarzabal has become impossible to ignore. “His last two seasons, since he recovered, are the best of his career,” Balague said. “Four goals in the World Cup — our most decisive player, no doubt.” Balague also described Oyarzabal as “the invisible man” who “has scored in every final he has ever played” and “one of the most intelligent players we have.”
Former Spain defender Cesar Azpilicueta acknowledged that questions had lingered over Spain’s centre-forward position, but believes Oyarzabal has answered them. “Sometimes people are in doubt about Spain because of the centre-forward, but Oyarzabal is doing the job,” he told BBC One. Two excellent finishes against Austria reinforced his status as the focal point of Spain’s attack.
Much of the pre-match attention had focused on other members of the squad, with cameras trained on the arrivals at Los Angeles Stadium before kick-off. But it is Oyarzabal — a decade into an international career that began at 19 — who is shining brightest when it matters most.
Image credit: BBC Sport / BBC Sport
