Luis de la Fuente, Spain coach
Photo by Levan Verdzeuli/Getty Images
The debate around Spain’s goalkeeping situation ahead of the next FIFA World Cup is slowly gathering momentum, and one name that continues to generate discussion is Barcelona goalkeeper Joan Garcia.
After another commanding display in Barcelona’s clean-sheet win over Villarreal, the shot-stopper once again showed why many consider him among the best goalkeepers currently playing in Spain.
Time and again this season, he has stepped up in key moments, producing saves that have directly influenced results.
Yet despite his growing reputation and consistent performances for Barça, his place in the Spanish national team setup remains far from guaranteed.
In a preview of an interview with AS (h/t Mundo Deportivo), Spain head coach Luis de la Fuente was asked directly about the goalkeeping situation for the Spain national football team and whether Garcia could force his way into the squad.
Rather than offering a clear answer, the coach chose to stress the depth of quality currently available to him.
De la Fuente provided context by highlighting his satisfaction with the goalkeepers who have formed the backbone of La Roja in recent competitions.
Joan Garcia of Barcelona
Joan Garcia has done everything to command a position in the national team. (Photo by Mike Hewitt/Getty Images)
He pointed to the performances of Unai Simon, David Raya, and Alex Remiro, making it clear that continuity also plays a role in his thinking.
“We have five or six of the best goalkeepers in the world, but no one talks about Robert Sanchez or Leo Roman either. And Joan Garcia, of course.
“We have fantastic goalkeepers in Spain, fantastic. It is true that we are currently betting on these three, and we are delighted with Unai, David, and Alex.
“But we will see what happens between now and March or between now and June, God only knows. Calm down. At that point, we’ll have to make the decision that needs to be made.
“Some people will like it more than others. I will be convinced that the decision I make is the best one,” said Luis de la Fuente.
While Garcia has done everything possible to put himself in the conversation, the national team door is not yet fully open.
With months still to go before final decisions are made, consistency will be key. If he continues to deliver at the highest level for Barcelona, the pressure on De la Fuente to reconsider his options will only grow.
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