He hasn't played for Barça nor has he been promoted by any major media outlet in the capital. But Gonzalo García has earned with his football the right to be considered by Luis de la Fuente. Like the other young talents from Barça.
At just 21 years old, his progression at Real Madrid has been unstoppable. The summer is showing that he has the talent to compete with the best.
However, the coach still doesn't look at him... and the comparisons are starting to cause friction.
In the European Championship or the World Cup, we saw how Lamine Yamal, Gavi, or Cubarsí—all from Barça—were drafted without having passed the filter that is now required of Gonzalo. Where did meritocracy go?
Luis de la Fuente raises suspicions again
Those who know Gonzalo well know that he is not only an attacking midfielder with dribbling, vision, and goal-scoring ability. He is also a player with commitment and personality.
He has shown it with Castilla, in the Youth League, and now in the Club World Cup with Real Madrid's first team. Xabi Alonso is delighted with his development and doesn't rule out that he could play a significant role this very season.
Even so, De la Fuente keeps shutting the door on him. In the Madrid environment, people are starting to wonder what else he has to do to get at least one opportunity.
The coach seems to apply a double standard. Barça players have doors opened for them quickly. Madrid players are required to do three times as much.
For much less, others went to the Euro or the World Cup
Gavi made his debut at 17 without even having completed a full year with the first team. Lamine, with just a few months in La Liga, was a starter throughout the European Championship.
Cubarsí, with half a season under his belt, went to the tournament ahead of other more experienced center-backs. No one questions his talent, but the difference in criteria with Gonzalo is glaring.
De la Fuente's discourse about maturity, progressive steps, and learning doesn't seem to apply when it comes to Barça academy players. That fuels a sense of grievance that is being discussed more and more openly in Valdebebas.
As newspaper highlights today the difference in treatment. It's shocking. Gavi made his debut for the national team with 6 matches and 288 min. (288 min.) with Barça.
Lamine answered Luis de la Fuente's call when he had only played 4 matches and 182 min. (182 min.) as a professional with Barça.
Meanwhile, Cubarsí became a full international after playing 12 matches and 930 min. (930 min.) with Barça.
Gonzalo's case seems clear: he already has 11 matches and 457 min. (457 min.) with Real Madrid, with 5 goals and 2 assists. What else does he have to do?
Gonzalo only needs one opportunity
Madridists are starting to believe that Gonzalo is being asked for things that weren't demanded of others. But if there's one thing the young talent is sure of, it's that it only depends on him. He is working to stay in the first team, and if he keeps growing as he has so far, it will be impossible to ignore him.
Sooner or later, his talent will knock so loudly on the national team's door that no one will be able to look the other way. Then many will have to explain why they took so long to trust him.