Despite his impressive performances… De la Fuente closes the door to the national team on Barcelona star!

The Spanish national team is enjoying one of its brightest spells in recent years, lifting the UEFA Nations League trophy and celebrating a European Championship victory under Luis de la Fuente. On the surface, La Roja looks stable, competitive, and full of promise. Yet, beneath the triumphs, growing controversy surrounds some of the coach’s decisions, particularly regarding squad selection in key positions.

Observers and analysts have repeatedly pointed to the goalkeeping department as an area of concern. Spain has quality between the posts, but errors from the regular choices have sparked debates about whether the most deserving names are being overlooked. While results may be positive, the technical direction of the team is far from unanimous among the Spanish football community.

De la Fuente has remained loyal to a trio of familiar faces: David Raya, Álex Remiro, and Unai Simón. Among them, Simón has been the preferred starter despite producing a series of costly mistakes in recent international matches. His performances have drawn criticism, with many asking why the door remains closed to newer, in-form candidates who have been making waves in La Liga.

One of those names is Juan García, the rising goalkeeper whose journey has been nothing short of extraordinary. The 24-year-old made headlines during his spell at Espanyol, where his saves played a decisive role in keeping the club in the top flight. His reflexes, composure under pressure, and commanding presence earned him the title of Best Goalkeeper in La Liga by EA Sports, a recognition that placed him firmly among the elite.

Barcelona quickly took notice of his talent. Without hesitation, the Catalan giants triggered García’s €25 million release clause, a bold move that underlined how highly they valued his potential. Unlike many young players who struggle to adapt to the demands of Camp Nou, García wasted no time in earning the trust of the coaching staff.

In a recent clash against Rayo Vallecano, García put on a spectacular display that reminded fans why Barcelona invested in him. He pulled off crucial saves, showcased his calm distribution from the back, and received praise from club president Joan Laporta and sporting director Deco. For many, it was the perfect example of why he should be wearing Spain’s colors in the coming international fixtures.

Yet, despite his rapid rise and undeniable impact, García continues to find himself excluded from De la Fuente’s plans. No official explanation has been provided for his absence. The silence from the coaching staff has only fueled speculation, with some suggesting that the manager’s preference for “fixed names” has left little room for deserving new challengers.

This reluctance to embrace change is puzzling. Spain has always thrived when it combined experience with fresh talent, and García’s performances suggest he is ready for the international stage. Many pundits now argue that ignoring him is not just a mistake but a wasted opportunity, as he represents the type of player who could define Spain’s future between the posts.

The situation is even more striking considering García’s consistency compared to his rivals. While Simón and Raya have had shaky moments at both club and international levels, the Barcelona goalkeeper has been in commanding form, week after week. For fans and analysts alike, it raises the question: how much longer can De la Fuente overlook one of La Liga’s most promising talents?

Public pressure is already beginning to mount. Spanish media outlets have started to amplify calls for García’s inclusion, while supporters on social media are demanding answers. Every new standout performance in a Barcelona shirt intensifies the debate, placing De la Fuente in an increasingly uncomfortable position.

For now, the ball remains in the coach’s court. García, for his part, continues to let his football do the talking. Determined and hungry, he has shown that he belongs among the very best. Whether De la Fuente eventually opens the door or continues to close it, one thing is certain: the Barcelona goalkeeper is not going away, and sooner or later, his case for La Roja may become impossible to ignore.