With Joan Garcia dominating the headlines following his first senior call-up to the Spain squad, Unai Simon — a mainstay under De la Fuente — finds himself facing fresh competition from the Barcelona shot-stopper.

Speaking from the 'La Roja' training camp in an interview with 'El Partidazo de COPE', the Athletic Bilbao keeper played down his status within the group. "Dressing room leader? No... the concept of seniority in modern football is far more balanced now," he insisted.

Addressing De la Fuente's decision to name four goalkeepers in his latest squad, Simon was supportive of his manager's tactical choices. "Those are the manager's decisions and he has his reasons. Everything Luis does is in the best interests of the team... people just enjoy gossip and controversy."

"I don't know if selecting Joan or David is fair or unfair, but football doesn't work like that. Ultimately, the gaffer makes the calls. You have to be a good teammate, a professional in this industry, and accept the decision regardless of what happens," he continued.

He also noted the uncertainty surrounding future tournament squads: "We don't know yet if three or four goalkeepers will make the cut for the World Cup."

Unai Simon was full of praise for both Joan Garcia and Thibaut Courtois, claiming: "Joan Garcia is the goalkeeper who most resembles Thibaut Courtois in La Liga."

"Thibaut Courtois consistently performs at an exceptionally high level, and Joan Garcia is the one who comes closest to him right now given his form and the points he is securing. Barcelona are sitting high in the table thanks to performances like his against Rayo this weekend, and that has to be acknowledged," he added.

When asked to name his 'top three' keepers, Simon's selections were clear: "In La Liga, my top three are Thibaut Courtois, Joan Garcia, and Oblak. On the global stage, it's Thibaut Courtois, Joan Garcia, and Raya."

Finally, Unai Simon touched upon the suspension of the Finalissima. "It's a fantastic trophy and a perfect barometer for how you'll fare at the World Cup. It is a pity it couldn't go ahead for whatever reason... I don't know the exact specifics, but I would have loved to have played in it."

Unai Simón

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