Despite a decade-long international tenure that began at just 19, Mikel Oyarzabal has long operated away from the spotlight. His momentum suffered a significant setback when a ruptured anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) in his left knee forced him to miss the 2022 World Cup in Qatar.
Fast forward four years, and Oyarzabal is playing the most clinical football of his career. Ahead of his World Cup debut, he entered the tournament in blistering form, netting 12 goals in 12 international appearances. His recent brace against Austria further cements this streak, marking his 17th goal in his last 16 starts, including four goals in the current tournament.
“His last two seasons, since returning from injury, have been the peak of his career,” noted analyst Balague. “With four goals in the World Cup, he is undoubtedly our most decisive player.”
While Spain famously experimented with a strikerless system during Euro 2012, Oyarzabal has now become the undisputed focal point of the attack, as evidenced by his two precise finishes against Austria.
“There is often skepticism regarding Spain’s lack of a traditional center-forward, but Oyarzabal is proving that he can do the job,” former Spain defender Cesar Azpilicueta told BBC One. “He previously operated more on the right wing, but he has successfully transitioned into a more central role.”
The numbers are staggering; since the beginning of last year, only Norway’s Erling Haaland, with 22 goals, has outscored Oyarzabal among European internationals. Furthermore, he is the first Spanish player to score twice in a World Cup knockout game since Emilio Butragueno’s performance against Denmark in 1986.
While his statistics are standout, Oyarzabal’s success is partly a result of a symbiotic relationship with 18-year-old sensation Lamine Yamal. The Barcelona prodigy’s exceptional dribbling and ball control consistently disrupt defensive lines, drawing markers away and creating the vital space Oyarzabal needs to exploit.
“When you have a player like Lamine Yamal who attracts so much defensive attention, it naturally opens up space for others,” explained former Germany midfielder Thomas Hitzlsperger. “Oyarzabal recognizes that space, finds the ball, and converts.”
