Why, then, isn't Raya Spain's No.1 goalkeeper despite his consistently outstanding performances at club level? The answer to that isn't rooted in complex data, statistics or even tactics - it simply comes down to loyalty.
Simon has been De la Fuente's first-choice since he replaced Luis Enrique as La Roja's head coach after the 2022 World Cup, and he sees no reason to move on from the stopper who helped him to win Euro 2024, despite the form of the other glovesmen at his disposal.
"It would be unfair if we didn't value Unai's quality, class, career, and professional experience," the manager said when questioned about Simon's selection before the tournament. "It would be absurd for me to have to come here and reaffirm it, just because he's Unai Simon. When a goalkeeper is at this level, you have to respect his standing and his career."
He added: "[...] Unai Simon is indisputable. The others have a lot of talent and class, but everything in its own time."