While the Spanish national team appears to be on the right track, buoyed by its UEFA Nations League title and recent European Championship triumph, decisions within the coaching staff have raised many questions behind the scenes.
Despite the positive results achieved in less than two years, some technical choices continue to face increasing criticism from observers and analysts, who believe the current squad lacks the most prepared players in some critical positions, most notably, goalkeeper.
Related topics
Sources close to the Spanish Football Federation have confirmed that the coach of La Roja is sticking with three names without question: David Raya, Álex Remiro, and Unai Simón, with the latter given priority in the starting lineup despite repeated individual errors on several occasions.
At the same time, a new name has begun to make its presence felt, having stolen the spotlight in La Liga with exceptional performances that earned him the award for Best Goalkeeper in the Spanish league, according to EA Sports.
This is Juan García, the young goalkeeper who shone brightly with Espanyol, directly contributing to the team’s survival in La Liga. He then caught the attention of Barcelona’s management, who quickly activated his €25 million release clause.
The 24-year-old wasn’t content with sitting on the bench, and he quickly earned the confidence of the Catalan club’s coaching staff. He recently featured in a strong match against Rayo Vallecano, where he dazzled and made crucial saves that impressed both Laporta and Deco.
Despite this remarkable performance, Juan García remains outside Luis de la Fuente’s plans. He has not publicly commented on the reason for his exclusion, nor has he provided any official explanation to the media or fans, at a time when calls are growing for him to be given the international opportunity he deserves.
Strangely, De la Fuente, who is known for his reliance on “fixed names,” has ignored what many pundits agree upon. García has become one of the best in his position in Spain, and perhaps even on the continent.
The ball is now in the coaching staff’s court. However, what is certain is that public and media pressure will escalate with each new performance by the Barcelona goalkeeper, who seems determined to impose himself, even if the door to La Roja has not yet been opened to him.
