Spain boss Luis de la Fuente has refused to be drawn on Joan Garcia’s World Cup chances, insisting La Roja already has “five or six of the best goalkeepers in the world” fighting for limited spots. Despite the growing clamour around the Barcelona stopper, the national coach is in no rush to make promises.
Garcia’s rise has been rapid. After a standout campaign with Espanyol, Barcelona moved quickly to bring him across the city, and the 23 year old has kicked on again at Camp Nou. His form has sparked fresh calls for a senior Spain call up, with many believing his time has arrived.
But de la Fuente was having none of it, at least for now. Speaking in a preview of an interview with AS, the Spain coach made it clear that Garcia is just one name in a crowded queue. “We have five or six of the best goalkeepers in the world,” he said. “But nobody talks about Robert Sanchez or Leo Roman. And Joan Garcia, obviously. We have fantastic goalkeepers in Spain.”
At present, de la Fuente is sticking with his trusted trio. Unai Simon remains first choice, with David Raya and Alex Remiro firmly in the picture. “We are absolutely delighted with them,” he said, before adding a reminder that nothing is fixed. “We will see what happens between now and March, or what happens by June.”
It’s a familiar message from a coach who prefers consistency over hype. Goalkeepers, after all, rarely rotate unless something goes wrong. Garcia may be flying at club level, but international football is a different game, and de la Fuente is clearly reluctant to upset the balance.
“There will come a moment where we have to decide,” the coach admitted. “Some people will like it more, others less. Whatever decision I make, I will be convinced it is the best one.” Not exactly a ringing endorsement, but not a door slammed shut either.
For Garcia, the message is simple: keep performing and wait. With the World Cup creeping closer, every game between now and the summer matters. Spain are blessed with depth between the posts, and history shows that talent alone doesn’t guarantee a plane ticket.
The battle for Spain’s gloves is far from settled. Garcia’s momentum is strong, but Simon, Raya and Remiro are not going anywhere just yet. One thing is certain, whoever misses out, the debate won’t be quiet.
