Oyarzabal steps out of Yamal's shadow to lead Spain's charge

Mikel Oyarzabal has emerged as Spain’s unexpected key man at the World Cup, scoring twice in a 3-0 win over Austria to send the reigning European champions into the last 16. While Lamine Yamal continues to draw the headlines, it is Oyarzabal who is finishing the chances and giving Spain the cutting edge they need.

The Real Sociedad forward has now scored four goals in the tournament and has been in outstanding form for more than a year. His brace against Austria continued a remarkable run that has seen him score 17 goals in his last 16 starts for Spain, underlining how decisive he has become in the central striker role.

What makes Oyarzabal’s rise even more striking is that he has long been viewed as a quieter figure in the squad. He missed the 2022 World Cup through injury, but since recovering he has produced the best football of his career. His movement, intelligence and composure in front of goal have made him Spain’s most reliable finisher.

Yamal’s influence should not be underestimated, though. The 18-year-old continues to attract defenders and create space for others, and that has been crucial to Oyarzabal’s success. With opposition back lines drawn toward Yamal’s dribbling and threat, Oyarzabal has been able to exploit the gaps and arrive in the right places at the right times.

There is also something old-fashioned about Oyarzabal’s path. He is a one-club man, having spent his entire career at Real Sociedad, and he speaks about goals in the language of instinct and anticipation. He even credits hockey with teaching him how to “smell goals,” a mindset that fits the sharpness he has shown in the box.

Spain, meanwhile, look increasingly like serious contenders. They have not conceded a goal in four matches, have scored eight times, and are now on a 34-match unbeaten run. Their next test against Portugal or Croatia will be a much tougher examination, but this team appears to be growing stronger with every game.

Oyarzabal may not be the biggest star in Spain’s squad, but right now he is one of their most important. In a team full of technical quality and youthful excitement, he is proving to be the calm, reliable finisher who can turn control into victories.