Mikel Oyarzabal: The one-club man who has become Spain’s ‘most decisive player’

Oyarzabal has remained out of the spotlight for most of his international career, which began a decade ago at the age of 19.

He missed the 2022 World Cup in Qatar due to a ruptured anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) in his left knee.

But four years later and before his World Cup debut, he was in the form of his life, scoring 12 goals in 12 international appearances.

Against Austria, the duo scored four goals in this tournament, taking that tally to 17 in their last 16 starts.

“The last two seasons since his recovery were the best years of his career,” added Balague.

“Four goals in the World Cup; undoubtedly our most decisive player.”

Spain played without a memorable striker at Euro 2012 but Oyarzabal has now become the focal point of their attack with two excellent finishes against Austria.

Former Spain defender Cesar Azpilicueta told BBC One: “Sometimes people have doubts about Spain because of the centre-forward, but Oyarzabal is doing his job.”

“A few years ago Oyarzabal was playing a little more on the right wing and moved more to midfield.”

The only European player to score more goals than Oyarzabal internationally since the start of last year is Norwegian striker Erling Haaland with 22 goals.

He also became the first Spanish player to score two goals in the last 16 of the 1986 tournament since Emilio Butragueno in a World Cup qualifier against Denmark.

The stats are impressive, but that doesn’t mean he’s overshadowed by Lamine Yamal; The 18-year-old player plays an important role in Oyarzabal’s ability to shine.

The Barcelona striker’s excellent ball control and dribbling skills clearly shook up the defense and drew the Austrian defenders towards him to create more space for Oyarzabal.

“When you have someone who stands out like Lamine Yamal in your team, you know you will have more space,” said former German midfielder Thomas Hitzlsperger.

“Oyarzabal uses this space, receives the ball and scores.”