Early in Xabi Alonso`s tenure at Real Madrid, the focus was on notable absences rather than those playing. Kylian Mbappe missed the group stage due to illness, and Rodrygo`s uncertain future was highlighted by only one start in the first four Club World Cup matches. This unexpected situation, however, created the perfect opportunity for a surprising breakout star in Real Madrid`s journey to the tournament`s quarterfinals: Gonzalo Garcia.
Initially perhaps just filling in for absent senior attackers, the 21-year-old academy graduate quickly proved his worth alongside key players like Vinicius Junior and Jude Bellingham. He started his fourth game in the competition on Tuesday and repaid Alonso`s faith by scoring the only goal in the round of 16 victory over Juventus. This was his third goal of the tournament, a header instinctively flicked past the keeper from a well-delivered cross by Trent Alexander-Arnold.
Garcia is now among the tournament`s top scorers, level with prominent forwards such as Bayern Munich`s Harry Kane and Manchester City`s Erling Haaland with three goals. This is a significant change from just weeks prior, when he had only made six senior team appearances, possibly due to former manager Carlo Ancelotti`s less emphasis on youth development. While it remains to be seen if Alonso will prioritize young players differently, Garcia`s emergence underscores the mixed effects of the new Club World Cup format, creating chances for less-known talents.
While the new format offers moments for teams outside Europe`s elite, the tournament structure still generally favors bigger clubs. This, in theory, allows managers to experiment with tactics and line-ups in the early stages, especially after a demanding season. For Real Madrid, this tournament serves as a crucial early look at Alonso`s strategic vision for the team as they gear up for the new season.
Based purely on Garcia`s statistics, Alonso`s tactical adjustments seem successful: he has three goals and one assist in 293 minutes, creating three scoring chances. Alonso has even compared him to Real Madrid legend Raul, another acclaimed academy forward. Garcia`s notable strength is his versatility, capable of playing anywhere across the front line, offering a contrast to the team`s established but perhaps less adaptable attackers. He has been vital as Alonso begins to implement his preferred system, aiming to replicate the high-pressing style seen at his former club, Bayer Leverkusen, aligning with modern football trends.
Beyond just Garcia`s contribution, Alonso`s broader tactical approach appears to be taking shape. After a somewhat unconvincing 1-1 draw against Al-Hilal to start, the team delivered a dominant, attacking display against Juventus. Although not always polished, they significantly outshot their opponents 21-6 and would likely have scored more than once were it not for Juventus keeper Michele Di Gregorio`s ten saves. Real Madrid achieved this using a blend of familiar faces and newcomers – Bellingham and Vinicius both took multiple shots, Dean Huijsen seemed more comfortable in his ball-playing center-back role, and Alexander-Arnold demonstrated why he could be a key summer signing with his assist.
Garcia`s rise provides Real Madrid with valuable depth and tactical options that were sometimes missing last season when they finished without major trophies. His emergence is a positive sign for their Club World Cup prospects, particularly after Manchester City`s unexpected exit, and also offers significant optimism for the upcoming domestic and continental campaigns.
