Mikel Oyarzabal scores Spain’s earliest since 2005 in final World Cup warm-up | OneFootball

Mikel Oyarzabal needed only a couple of minutes to score his 25th goal for Spain against Peru, the team’s earliest goal since Antonio López in 2005. It was the final warm-up before the World Cup begins on Thursday.

According to Diario Vasco, the Real Sociedad captain is central to Spain’s plans. It was his 19th under Luis de la Fuente and came after he was rested for friendlies with Egypt and Iraq.

He has now become only the fourth player to score in six consecutive Spain matches. Of that group, only David Villa achieved the feat without missing a game in between.

Reaching 25 puts him back ahead of Ferran Torres in the all-time list, with both closing on Emilio Butragueño’s 26.

His club form underpins it, with 15 in La Liga, a domestic best, and 18 across league and cup to equal his season high.

De la Fuente has often called him a complete footballer, and Lamine Yamal, seen by many as the world’s best, recently hailed him as world class.

He contributes far beyond goals, leading Spain’s press and setting the tone off the ball. Marc Cucurella has highlighted his quiet authority and the respect he commands.

Spain are World Cup contenders and many of their hopes will run through the No 21’s boots. Belief has grown since he hit the winner in the most recent European Championship final.

Source: Diario Vasco