Mikel Oyarzabal
ESP
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.
Scores equalizer from spot
Oyarzabal scored one goal to go with four shots (two on goal) in Saturday's 2-2 draw versus Betis.
Analysis: Oyarzabal scored a stoppage-time equalizer from the penalty spot to reach his 15th goal of the campaign. The forward is enjoying his highest-scoring single league campaign to date, arriving at a crucial stage with the World Cup approaching. He has now scored three goals across his last three matches, during which he has taken seven shots and created three chances.
Brace Sunday
Oyarzabal scored two goals to go with three shots (three on goal) and two chances created in Sunday's 3-3 draw against Rayo Vallecano.
Analysis: Oyarzabal came up with a few goals Sunday as he helped his team to a draw, scoring the opening goal in the 22nd minute before converting from the penalty spot in the 76th minute. This ends a three-match streak without a goal, taking four shots between his goals. He now has 14 goals in 29 appearances (27 starts) this season.
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