Who is Spain’s number 1 goalkeeper? – Athletic Bilbao shot-stopper Unai Simon is currently Spain’s first-choice goalkeeper. Simon’s rise to becoming Spain’s number-one goalkeeper has not been easy as he consistently faces competition from Manchester United’s David De Gea and Chelsea’s Kepa Arrizabalaga.
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Simón received his first call-up to the senior side on 20 August 2020, for the initial two matches of the 2020–21 UEFA Nations League.
On 24 May 2021, Simón was included in Luis Enrique’s 24-man squad for UEFA Euro 2020 and started all of the team’s matches.
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He caused an own goal in the 5–3 last-16 win over Croatia when he was unable to control a long backward pass by Pedri. His strong mentality after the error won the praise of his coach Luis Enrique.
He then managed to save two penalties as Spain won the shootout against Switzerland in the quarter-finals after a 1–1 draw, for which he was also awarded the Star of the Match.
The semi-final against Italy ended with the same score, and Simón saved the first attempt in the shootout by Manuel Locatelli, but the Italians prevailed.
Simon started all group games in the 2022 World Cup but could not do much as they exited the competition in the Round of 16, losing 3-0 on penalties to Morocco.
Source: abtc.ng
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