La Liga icon stunned by Barcelona superstar’s situation ahead of World Cup – ‘A monumental mess’ | OneFootball

The debate surrounding the Spanish national team’s goalkeeping situation is heating up, and a respected voice has now stepped into the discussion. 

La Liga legend Santiago Canizares has delivered a thought-provoking assessment of Spain’s goalkeeping hierarchy, openly questioning decisions that, in his view, no longer make sporting sense. 

His comments come at a time when Joan Garcia’s form for Barcelona has become impossible to ignore.

Over the past few days, the Barcelona goalkeeper has delivered a series of standout performances, keeping clean sheets against Espanyol and Athletic Club. 

These displays have not only strengthened Barça’s defensive stability but have also reignited questions about why Garcia continues to be overlooked at the international level, despite arguably being the most in-form goalkeeper in Spain right now.

Canizares talks about the mess

Speaking on COPE (h/t SPORT), Canizares did not hold back when addressing the growing confusion. 

“It will be very difficult to choose the goalkeeper of the Spanish national team for the World Cup. The one who does not go -Joan Garcia- is undoubtedly the best. 

“The one who is on the bench – David Raya – is fantastic and the starter is the one who generates the most doubts right now.”

Joan Garcia is arguably the best goalkeeper in Spain. (Photo by Yasser Bakhsh/Getty Images)

Canizares went further, explaining why this situation could become damaging for the national team as a whole. 

“The starter generates doubts in his club, and in the national team, it seems that he does not. 

“This is a monumental mess that weakens the team and the goalkeepers themselves. 

“It is a debate that is going to be talked about a lot, especially in the weeks leading up to the World Cup, in which there will be no football and many things to comment on. 

“And it is an issue that will also clearly affect the goalkeepers who are in the discussion,” he assessed.

The timing of these comments is significant, as Garcia’s recent form with Barcelona has brought the issue firmly back into focus, with many observers now viewing him as the most consistent and confident goalkeeper in Spanish football. 

Despite this, Spain coach Luis de la Fuente appears committed to his current structure. 

This means Unai Simon continues to be trusted as the starter, while David Raya and Alex Remiro remain regular call-ups.