We need to focus on Mikel Oyarzabal. When Spain netted their third goal versus Austria in Los Angeles, cameras captured Lamine Yamal's young brother celebrating with clenched fists and shouts of encouragement. The image felt ideal, not solely due to Keyne's undeniable charm. Even the minor flaw seemed fitting. Seated in the row ahead, partially obscuring the three-year-old, sat a woman wearing sunglasses. This led a Spanish television commentator to remark that the blonde in front had blocked the ultimate sticker moment. Borja Iglesias responded that the same woman had delivered two goals that day.

The woman turned out to be Oyarzabal's mother, Dorleta. Her son had just netted his second goal of the match and fourth overall in the tournament. Two days later, following Spain's initial training session in Dallas, Marca inquired whether Oyarzabal had viewed the clip.

He confirmed he had, noting that Keyne had become something of an icon amid recent events and Lamine's rising profile. The contrast with himself went unspoken, as is typical for Oyarzabal. He avoids iconic status and shows little desire for it. Most people overlook him, which suits his preferences perfectly.

Yet circumstances are shifting. Goals alter narratives, and Oyarzabal has delivered plenty lately. Support from the coach helps too, as Luis de la Fuente works to correct an oversight. During the press conference ahead of the Uruguay match, when a query referenced Oyarzabal, the head coach seized the moment. He began his response with thanks and directed focus toward his number 21. Minutes later another question arose about the Real Sociedad striker, prompting De la Fuente to conclude again with thanks, appreciative that a measure of fairness was emerging.

The coach highlighted that recognition for Mikel Oyarzabal was finally arriving in Spain. He described him as a standout among elites, which holds true. The leading six names on the World Cup scoring chart include Kylian Mbappe, Lionel Messi, Erling Haaland, Harry Kane, Ballon d'Or winner Ousmane Dembele, and Oyarzabal. Five major figures and then him.

The notion of an underrated player can sometimes feel overused. Acknowledgment usually arrives for valid causes, and limited fanfare is not necessarily unjust. Occasionally being seen as underrated risks inflating a player's perceived value further. Still, the label fits Oyarzabal to some degree. At 29 he has seldom featured in conversations until now, particularly beyond San Sebastian where he captains Real Sociedad.

Part of this stems from his club. Oyarzabal has secured two Copa del Rey trophies with Real Sociedad, accounting for half their total haul, and he scored in each final. Yet because it is Real Sociedad, external support remains limited and success opportunities are fewer. Transfer speculation has been absent, which is noteworthy in itself. Oyarzabal progressed through the academy, carries a buyout clause of just 75 million euros, and lesser talents have commanded higher fees, yet rumors have stayed minimal. This owes partly to Oyarzabal lacking an agent and remaining content at home without fueling interest.

Such is his approach. He has avoided being transferred and has never promoted himself. After the Austria match he was questioned about standing alongside Mbappe and Messi. He replied that it did not matter, and he spoke sincerely. His responses carry a straightforward quality, unaffected by surrounding attention. No trace of arrogance appears. When asked about an AI search for top strikers that listed Mbappe, Kane, and Haaland but omitted him, he simply noted that those players ranked among the finest.

Oyarzabal observes that a striker's role includes avoiding interference. This reflects genuine assessment rather than false humility. It may also explain why he has not always drawn notice. He prefers not to stand out, whether off the pitch or during play. Calm and unremarkable in appearance, he performs without drama. He lacks imposing size or speed, rarely beats defenders individually, and shows no inclination for spectacular long-range strikes or unnecessary involvement. He does not demand possession constantly. His contributions feel more subtle, centered on timing, reading situations, and supporting teammates.

He explains that from a young age he has sought to grasp how play unfolds and why events occur. He has realized that staying out of the way can prove beneficial. At times, simply occupying the right position aids the side without touching the ball. The focus then shifts to maximizing limited opportunities. A striker cannot anticipate constant involvement.

De la Fuente notes that Mikel is highly perceptive, evident in his play. He ranks among the finest at exploiting space, moving between lines, and drifting wide. He has featured at right wing, left wing, second striker, and center forward, always performing effectively. Few players match his game-reading ability. His grounded nature and awareness keep him balanced amid the constant changes in football. He serves as a model for others, and the coach grows more impressed daily. Those who appreciate the sport rate him highly. Others may overlook his impact, yet his influence within the national team remains immense.

Numbers now confirm this. De la Fuente has long trusted him. Upon assuming the coaching role, he appointed Oyarzabal as one of the captains, bypassing standard longevity-based selection. As Fabián Ruiz observes, Mikel may seem reserved yet commands attention because his views prove consistently sound. An evolution has occurred too. After shifting centrally with his club following a knee injury that sidelined him from the prior World Cup, he has become a center forward who operates differently and benefits from it. De la Fuente noted that a center forward existed, albeit of another type. He had deployed Oyarzabal there at under-21 level.

When Oyarzabal entered the Euro 2024 final he scored, as he has in every final he has contested. This time it proved decisive and marked the beginning of a fresh chapter. Alvaro Morata stepped aside, positioning Oyarzabal as the primary central option. Last season marked his strongest scoring return for Real Sociedad with 15 league goals. Since his goal against England in Berlin he has contributed directly to more international goals than Mbappe, Messi, Ronaldo, or Kane. Only Haaland leads him. Across his last 18 appearances for Spain he has recorded 17 goals and eight assists.

Four of those goals arrived during this summer's tournament in the United States on the grandest stage, where he fits naturally. Last week a boot company referenced a striker they had not previously, and they were not alone. De la Fuente expressed delight that discussion of Oyarzabal was taking place.