Call it the rise of the false nine. And let it be said clearly: Spain do not lack a centre-forward. Mikel Oyarzabal, on paper, would not have the technical profile of one. And yet he is doing exactly that. At the highest level: in Spain’s last 11 matches, the 1997-born Real Sociedad forward has scored 12 goals, provided 6 assists, hit the woodwork twice and won a penalty. In short, numbers that recall David Villa — to cite an illustrious precedent — and that only heighten the value of a player initially intended as a supporting piece, but now increasingly central, especially after Álvaro Morata’s exit from the rotation.
Another striking detail is that Oyarzabal is not even an ever-present in terms of minutes. In this same stretch he has played just 45 minutes in the friendly against Peru, needed 63 to score a brace against Egypt, and one fewer to strike against Turkey. On the eve of the World Cup — even recalling how things ended last time, despite the emphatic 7–1 opening win against Costa Rica — Spain are often criticised for having too many dribblers, too few finishers, and no real striker. Oyarzabal is disproving those doubts, with a level of output rarely seen today in Europe, and beyond, at international level.
The paradox is that in the club shirt, the outcome is not quite the same. At Donostia / San Sebastián, Mikel is a symbol, a homegrown talent with more than 430 appearances and 130 goals for Real Sociedad. Across eleven seasons he has won two Copa del Rey titles, the latest in 2025/26 — a season in which he still reached 18 goals for the second consecutive year, confirming a solid scoring instinct. And yet he has often lacked the leadership, the continuity, and perhaps also the decisive edge to push Real Sociedad towards a definitive step forward in Spanish and European football.
Almost by contrast, when Mikel wears the Spain shirt, the effect is that of a superhero’s cloak. Especially since the arrival of Luis de la Fuente as national team coach, a strong admirer who has repeatedly described him as “a world-class player, capable of anything” — perhaps providing a level of confidence he had not fully converted elsewhere. Until 2023, his international record stood at 24 caps and 6 goals. From that point on it becomes 29 and 19. Numbers of a natural goalscorer, no longer a luxury squad option able to cover the entire front line.
And so, between Lamine Yamal and Nico Williams, Spain rediscover an unexpected secret weapon. A further confirmation of a national team rich in talent and options: it is no coincidence that bookmakers have listed them among the favourites for the 2026 World Cup — while in Madrid and its surroundings, people quietly cross their fingers. The European champions can realistically dream of a repeat of 2010. Back then, the pure, ruthless centre-forward was David Villa. Oyarzabal is nothing like him. Except for his coldness in front of goal, his disarming efficiency, and his involvement in build-up play. For this Spain, nothing more is needed. Give it to Mikel, and everything flows.