Mikel Oyarzabal
ESP
Ranking
Grades
Key Grades
This season
Overall Grades by game
This season
Matches
News
Rested for Iraq friendly
Oyarzabal has been left out of the squad for Wednesday's friendly against Iraq as a technical decision by coach Luis de la Fuente, with no physical complaints reported, according to Imanol Troyano of El Diario Vasco.
Analysis: Oyarzabal is being given rest to ensure he arrives at the World Cup in the best possible condition, with de la Fuente taking a cautious approach in the first of two pre-tournament friendlies to protect his most important players. The Real Sociedad forward is expected to be fully available for Spain's World Cup opener against Cape Verde on June 15, where he will look to build on a strong individual season that saw him establish himself as one of the most clinical and intelligent forwards in La Liga, bringing his combination of technical quality, intelligent movement and goal-scoring instinct to a Spain side that arrives at the tournament as one of the genuine favorites to lift the trophy.
Assists as substitute
Oyarzabal had an assist with his lone chance created while taking an off target shot, crossing once inaccurately and making three tackles (winning two) during Sunday's 4-3 loss to Valencia.
Analysis: Oyarzabal set up Orri Oskarsson in the 63rd minute assistin Soceidad's third goal while leading the team in tackles. The assist was the first since November for Oyarzabal as he's combined for two goal involvements, five shots and two chances created over his last three appearances.
Explore more players
Abde Ezzalzouli
BET• #10• LWSergio Camello
RAY• #10• CFCucho Hernández
BET• #19• CFGeorges Mikautadze
VIL• #9• CFSelect Player
Search and select a player to compare