De la Fuente faces dilemma as €25 million-rated Barcelona star continues to impresses | OneFootball

It is no secret that the current Spanish National team relies heavily on talent from FC Barcelona. The likes of Lamine Yamal, Pedri, Dani Olmo, Ferran Torres, and others remain an integral part of the Spanish team led by Luis de la Fuente.

However, one Barcelona player who is yet to receive an international call-up is Joan Garcia. Despite making the move from Espanyol to Barça this summer, it seems that his lack of experience in European football might have led to the Spanish coach not considering him to be ready for the previous international break.

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That is exactly why his recent performance against Newcastle United on his UEFA Champions League debut was so important.

Under immense pressure, Garcia delivered a performance that, according to SPORT, has made it increasingly difficult for the Spain coach to leave him out of the October squad for the World Cup qualifiers against Georgia in Elche and Bulgaria in Valladolid.

Garcia looked assured in every aspect of the game. Commanding in the air, he dealt confidently with corners and wide deliveries, making several clean catches on difficult balls.

He was equally strong with the ball at his feet, quick to sweep up danger outside the box, and produced a spectacular point-blank save to deny Harvey Barnes. Earlier, he had also come out on top in a one-on-one against the same player, even if that play was later ruled offside.

Among Spanish goalkeepers, only Arsenal’s David Raya is currently matching Garcia’s level. Raya has been in superb form in the Premier League, showcasing both agility and ball-playing ability.

In contrast, Spain’s long-time No. 1, Unai Simon, has shown signs of vulnerability at the start of the season, conceding six goals in five matches, including costly errors against Arsenal.

Real Sociedad’s Alex Remiro, meanwhile, continues to be valued by De la Fuente as much for his personality and leadership as his shot-stopping ability.

Even so, De la Fuente has built a stable ‘ecosystem‘ around Simon, Raya, and Remiro. The coach has often emphasized that goalkeepers need confidence and continuity, which is why he rarely disrupts his established hierarchy.

Bringing Garcia into the fold now could unsettle that balance, particularly given the €25 million-rated Barcelona shot-stopper has the talent to challenge Simon directly for the starting role.

That said, Garcia has always been praised for his humility and team-first attitude. At the Paris Olympics, he willingly accepted a backup role to Arnau Tenas, showing professionalism and maturity beyond his years. There is little doubt he would add harmony, not tension, to Spain’s dressing room.

Ultimately, Joan Garcia has earned the right to be considered on pure sporting merit. His Champions League debut proved that he belongs at the highest level. Whether De la Fuente is willing to alter his carefully maintained goalkeeper group remains to be seen, but the pressure to reward Joan Garcia with a call-up is only growing.