Mikel Oyarzabal is no classic number nine, but he might be the silent assassin Spain need | OneFootball

Spain's stuttering start to the World Cup saw questions asked of the European champion's credentials this summer.

A goalless draw with debutants Cape Verde was one of theWorld Cup's greatest ever shocks, and saw La Roja come under-fire for their failure to break down the minnows.

It's important, of course, not to jump to conclusions.

Spain lack an out-and-out number nine but, inMikel Oyarzabal, have a player who has made that role his own for the national side of late.

Oyarzabal struggled during the stalemate with Cape Verde, becoming the first player on record to go the entire first 30 minutes of a World Cup game without touching the ball. It's a staggering statistic, but one that is an anomaly in Oyarzabal's recent record for the national team.

At 29, Oyarzabal has spent his entire career atReal Sociedad, a club outside the Spanish spotlight that focuses on Real Madrid, Barcelona, and to a lesser extent, Atletico Madrid. Sociedad, however, like Basque rivals Athletic Club, command respect and loyalty from their own. Oyarzabal has racked up 437 appearances and counting for Sociedad, without ever publicly considering a new challenge.

Just last week, he brushed off speculation over a potential move to Barcelona.

"If I'm being linked to Barça, it's because they think I'm doing things well, but I'm focused on the World Cup," Oyarzabal toldMundo Deportivo.

"I don't give it much importance, and I don't waste much time on those things.

"I'm calm. I've said it a thousand times, Real Sociedad and San Sebastian are my home. It's my safe haven, where I grew up, and Real Sociedad is the club that gave me the opportunity to be here today.

"So, in that respect, I'm calm, without going crazy. We haven't talked about a renewal yet. I have two years left on my contract and there's still a long way to go."

He's won two Copa del Rey trophies with La Real, but it's on the international stage where he can finally earn the recognition of the masses.

He followed the disappointment against Cape Verde with an electric performance as Spain thrashed Saudi Arabia, setting a more positive record. Since 1966, only three players have ever recorded three goal involvements in the opening 30 minutes of a World Cup game.

Oyarzabal's impact extended a fine record for Spain, which now stands at 27 goals in 55 games. He's moved level with Fernando Morientes for Spain goals, while only six players have ever netted more for the national side.

Furthermore, his recent rate of contribution stacks up with any player on the planet.

Oyazarbal has 21 goals and assists in his last 13 games for Spain, scoring 14 times and creating more. At a tournament where superstars Lionel Messi, Kylian Mbappe, Erling Haaland and Vinicius Junior have started on fire, Oyarzabal has the recent track record to match that quartet.

He's proven too, that he can shine when the pressure is on. He scored the decisive goal as Spain beat England to win Euro 2024, and netted again in the 2025 Nations League final. In fact, the Sociedad skipper has played in six major finals during his senior career, and has scored in all of them.

With Alvaro Morata moved on, Oyarzabal has taken on the responsibility of leading the line for Spain. He's far from the traditional mould, but one that works for La Roja. If Spain are successful this summer, he'll be due some long-awaited flowers.