“Once again he has shown what a complete footballer he is. The recognition he should have had, he is getting now.” - Spain head coach Luis de la Fuente. Lamine Yamal receives most of the attention in Spain’s attack. But Mikel Oyarzabal, who has cultivated a hugely effective career in the peripheral view of most football fans, was once again the difference in Spain in their 3-0 win over Austria — their first win in the knockout stage at a men's World Cup since 2010. Since the start of 2025, Oyarzabal has 16 goals for Spain, with Erling Haaland the only European player with more across the same period (24). It would be wise for opposition defences in future, starting with Portugal, to pay closer attention to the 29-year-old. @lauriewhitwell