Gonzalo Garcia, a young striker, has surprisingly emerged as Real Madrid’s standout performer at the Club World Cup, stepping into a pivotal “No.9” role due to Kylian Mbappe’s absence.
An Unlikely Star Emerges
Few would have predicted Gonzalo Garcia, a 21-year-old, to lead Real Madrid’s scoring charts at the Club World Cup. Yet, that’s exactly what happened. His opportunity arose unexpectedly when star signing Kylian Mbappe was sidelined with illness at the start of the tournament.
Garcia quickly seized his chance, becoming a crucial part of new coach Xabi Alonso’s setup. His classic No.9 style, reminiscent of Karim Benzema, filled a void Real Madrid has felt since the Frenchman’s departure. This traditional striker profile was sorely missed, particularly highlighted during their Champions League exit where goals were scarce.
Xabi Alonso’s Preferred Forward
Coach Alonso values a striker who works tirelessly, both with and without the ball. Garcia fits this mold perfectly. Despite the demanding climate in the US, the tall Spaniard tirelessly presses opponents and tracks back to assist with defensive duties, a work rate often less evident in players like Vinicius Jr. and Kylian Mbappe.
His impressive performances have certainly caught the coach’s eye. Garcia even got the nod to start ahead of a recovered Mbappe in the quarter-final against Borussia Dortmund, a significant show of faith from Alonso.
Club World Cup Impact
Garcia delivered on that faith, scoring in just ten minutes against Dortmund. His goal, a precise finish from an Arda Guler lob, demonstrated a clinical touch that drew comparisons to Erling Haaland.
Throughout the Club World Cup, Garcia netted four goals and provided one assist. This remarkable tally made him the first Los Blancos player since Cristiano Ronaldo in 2016 to score four goals in a single edition of the tournament. His rise began earlier, scoring a late winner in the Copa del Rey against Leganes.
A Modern No.9 with a Classic Touch
While Garcia has always been a prolific scorer, netting 25 times in 36 appearances for Real Madrid Castilla, it’s his work rate and tactical intelligence that truly impress Alonso. He operates as a traditional No.9, not just scoring but also creating space for others.
Similar to Benzema, Garcia excels at drawing defenders away, opening up vital channels for teammates like Vinicius Jr. and Jude Bellingham. His constant pressing and runs behind defenses disrupt opponents, giving Real Madrid’s other attacking talents more freedom to operate.
Key Takeaways
- Gonzalo Garcia unexpectedly emerged as Real Madrid’s top scorer in the Club World Cup due to Kylian Mbappe’s illness.
- He embodies the classic “No.9” role, filling a void left by Karim Benzema.
- Garcia’s tireless work rate and defensive contributions align perfectly with coach Xabi Alonso’s tactical preferences.
- He became the first Real Madrid player since Cristiano Ronaldo in 2016 to score four goals in a single Club World Cup.
While still raw, Garcia is a valuable asset. His performances suggest he could become a crucial player off the bench, providing essential rest for star forwards in a demanding season. Real Madrid seems to have found a genuine No.9, with the potential to follow in the footsteps of legends like Raul, provided he is nurtured correctly.
