Club soccer comes to a halt, national teams take center stage. At Real Madrid, several players travel to join their national teams. Among them, a name that's being heard more and more: Gonzalo García.
The forward, a youth academy product and pride of Valdebebas, has been drafted by the Spanish U-21 national team, and it's no coincidence. His performance in the last Club World Cup left a mark. He showed confidence, decisiveness, and a striker's instinct.
In that tournament, Gonzalo seized the opportunity as if it were his last. He didn't just play well. He showed personality on a stage where few young players dare to shine.
Xabi Alonso's key role
While with the U-21 squad, Gonzalo spoke with Diario AS. There, he made it clear who has been key in his breakthrough: Xabi Alonso.
"Xabi Alonso has always given me calm and confidence," he admitted. "He told me to press well and to make things difficult for the center-backs so they couldn't bring the ball out."
The coach from Donostia knows the forward in detail. He followed him closely during his time at Castilla. Now he puts him ahead of other young players like Endrick.
In fact, a few weeks ago, Xabi himself compared him to Raúl González. "He's the typical number nine who's always there, well positioned and with a great work ethic." Words that motivate and set the path.
A debut to remember
Gonzalo will never forget his first start with the first team in the Club World Cup. The opportunity came because Kylian was ill.
"I'm not going to lie, I knew it could happen. It surprised me, but I faced it with confidence," he said. He had worked hard for that moment.
His performance convinced everyone. Since then, Xabi Alonso has given him important minutes. Not just as a substitute, but as a real piece in the attacking rotation.
That mutual trust between player and coach is evident on the field. Gonzalo presses, fights for every ball, and always looks for the opponent's goal. Bernabéu is starting to get to know his style.
White and determined future
In the same interview, the youth academy product revealed that this summer there was interest from other teams. However, he didn't want to listen to offers.
"My priority was to have a first-team spot. I didn't think about leaving," he stated. For him, wearing Real Madrid's jersey is non-negotiable.
He had already had minutes with Ancelotti last year. Now, with Xabi Alonso, he feels he can grow and establish himself. The coach insists on refining details and conveying his playing philosophy. Gonzalo listens, learns, and applies.
The club sees enormous potential in him. Not just because of his goal-scoring instinct, but because of his character and mentality. They know that if he keeps this trajectory, he can become a reference forward for the future.
Gonzalo García has taken a giant step in just a few months. With his coach's trust and the support of the locker room, his name is starting to be heard loudly. He does so with a clear message: he's here to stay.