Unai Simon: Things to Know About the Spanish Goalkeeper

Manchester United's David de Gea has benefited from the return of Dean Henderson, and has managed to find something (vaguely) close to his best form in recent times.

The fact he's kept just two clean sheets so far in 2020/21 says more about the Red Devils' defence than it does about De Gea's performances. But despite his improved form, it wasn't enough to convince Luis Enrique to hand him the starting spot between the sticks for Spain's three November fixtures. It wasn't Kepa who was selected either...for well, very obvious reasons.

Instead, Enrique turned to Athletic Club's Unai Simon, who started all three matches against the Netherlands, Switzerland and Germany. It was quite the vote of confidence for a goalkeeper who had never featured at senior level for his country prior to the these games.

But who exactly is the shot-stopper now making the number one spot in the Spain team his own? Here's a look at some things to know about the 23-year-old...

1. He Wants to Stay at Athletic for the Rest of His Career

It's become all too frequent hearing a player claim they have always loved [insert club name] for as long as they can remember after signing for them or penning a new deal, hasn't it?

Sometimes, it comes across a bit meaningless, as...well, it isn't always true. But for Simon, he has a real love for Athletic.

The shot-stopper put an end to rumours linking him with a move away - Real Madrid and Inter were said to be interested - by putting pen to paper on a new five year deal back in August. And after signing, Simon made it very clear that he hopes to be able to spend the rest of his career with the club he joined aged 14, such is his love for Athletic.

He told the club's official website: "My thought when signing was to be playing until the end of my contract, and hopefully I’ll be playing here until the end of my career.

“They’ve not only formed me as a footballer but as a person. I was found a home in which they looked after me like I was their own child, they put me in a secondary school that gave me an education, they’ve given me teammates with whom I enjoy being around...all those things are worth a lot.

“I’ve only ever known Athletic."

2. New Contract Does Not Contain a Release Clause

Simon's previous deal contained a €50m (around £43m) release clause and while this was by no means cheap, it was a reasonable amount for a talented goalkeeper with his best years still ahead of him.

As a result, it was hardly a surprise some of Europe's top clubs were showing an interest.

But the new contract he signed in August removed the release clause, something which had become common at Athletic. Asked why he agreed to sign a new deal without a release clause inserted, Simon explained it was his way of showing his appreciation for everything the club has done for him.

3. Rapid Rise at Both Club and International Level

Simon may well be Spain's first choice at the moment, but it wasn't actually that long ago when he was on the books at Elche in the Segunda Division.

But just a matter of weeks after making the loan move, he was recalled following the departure of Kepa to Chelsea and an injury to Iago Herrerin. Initially brought back to be the backup to Alex Remiro, Simon quickly found himself in the starting lineup.

While he was later dropped to the bench, he went on to become the regular first choice in 2019/20 and has started every game so far in 2020/21 as well.

There's no doubting his position at club level anymore.

On the international stage, the Euro Under-21s winner was expected to compete for the third goalkeeping spot in the senior squad with the likes of Pau Lopez. But since receiving his first call up to the senior squad in August (on the same day he signed his new contract), he has continued to impress and Enrique rewarded him with his first start against the Netherlands in La Roja's first November game.

4. Marca are Calling Him One of the 'Untouchables'

When Simon joined up with the national squad for the November fixtures, few would have predicted he would be starting all three matches. But he took his chances, making strong saves when called upon and playing with real confidence with the ball at his feet.

This was more the case against the Netherlands and Switzerland as, well, he didn't have much to do against Germany on Tuesday. While he didn't have any real saves to make, his passing out from the back was exquisite as Spain humiliated the Germans 6-0.

After the game, Marca released an article explaining that Simon is now one of the six 'untouchables' in the starting lineup and that it's his position to lose.

Quite the compliment, eh?

5. He Idolises Gianluigi Buffon

As well as looking up to Iker Casillas (not exactly much of a surprise, is it?), Simon has previously explained that he also idolises Gianluigi Buffon. As well as trying to use him as a reference point to improve his own game, Simon also praised the World Cup winner for being a 'gentleman'.

He told Mundo Deportivo in 2019: “When I started looking at goalkeepers, I had great affection for Buffon...because he seems to me like a gentleman on and off the field.” 

I don't think anyone disagrees, Unai.

6. He Thinks Jan Oblak Is the Best Goalkeeper in the World

Is it Marc-Andre ter Stegen? Alisson? Thibaut Courtois? Well, for Simon, the best goalkeeper in the world is Atletico Madrid's Jan Oblak, although there are a few others who closely follow.

He told AS in October 2019: "He [Oblak] is the best in the world between the sticks. He's very large and in a goalkeeper it is what you are looking for. But Ter Stegen, Neuer, Alisson...they are modern goalkeepers with very good qualities."

Interestingly, there's no mention of fellow countryman De Gea, who was one of the very best in the business prior to his dip in form...

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