Iribar hails Unai Simón after breaking Walter Zenga’s World Cup clean-sheet record | OneFootball

Unai Simón received congratulations from José Ángel Iribar after surpassing Walter Zenga’s World Cup clean-sheet record. As reported by as.com, the Athletic great said Simón is the best in his eyes and urged him to keep going.

The acclaim arrives with Simón at 29 and in full maturity, after a season when his Spain starting role had been questioned. Iribar praised how calmly he handled that debate, noting he kept respect for rivals and teammates and let results speak.

Beyond the landmark, his World Cup numbers are striking. He has conceded three goals in eight matches, a rate of 0.38 per game. By comparison, Zubizarreta let in 16 in 16 and Casillas 18 in 17, and Iribar stressed that while many deserve credit for Spain’s defence, it starts with the security Simón provides.

Simón grew up at AD Zuia in Murgia and spent summers in San Marcial in Zamora, where he first kept goal. His father filmed his training so Lezama coaches could refine him.

He renewed in 2020 to 2025, then in 2024 to 2029, both without a release clause in the Muniain mould. At San Mamés he succeeded Iraizoz and Kepa, then held off Julen Agirrezabala.

He has said he does not intend to coach and has warned not to expect him in 2030. Off the pitch he practises orienteering, a maps-and-compasses discipline that hones concentration and decision-making useful in goal.

Source: as.com