The Rising Star: Joan García’s Case for Spain’s Starting Goalkeeper

The debate has been ignited. After several outstanding months at Barcelona, Joan García has garnered enough recognition to be considered as the first-choice goalkeeper for Spain in the World Cup. Not merely as the second or third option, but as the primary starter.

As is often the case in this country when promoting an athlete, there seems to be a need to undermine an existing contender. In this situation, that contender is Unai Simón. It has become increasingly common to hear disparaging remarks about the Athletic goalkeeper, labeling him as inadequate.