Real Madrid News
Real Madrid breakout star gets the nod of approval from legendary forwards
Gonzalo Garcia has become the breakout star for Real Madrid at the FIFA Club World Cup. The 21-year-old forward has scored three goals so far, putting him just one behind Angel Di Maria, the tournament’s top scorer.
Gonzalo has also added one assist to his name and has started all four of Real Madrid’s matches in the United States.His latest goal, which came against Juventus, secured Real Madrid’s place in the quarter-finals.
Gonzalo’s performances have drawn praise from all corners. His teammates and coach Xabi Alonso have spoken highly of him, and Real Madrid fans are overjoyed to see a young academy player making such a big impact on the first team.
Adding to the praise, two Real Madrid legends have shared their support for the young forward.
Karim Benzema and Raul, who coached Gonzalo when he was at Castilla, commented on a photo Gonzalo posted on Instagram. Benzema used three fire emojis to show Gonzalo is “on fire,” while Raul added two clapping emojis to applaud his efforts.
Tough call between Gonzalo and Mbappe
Thanks to his strong performances, Gonzalo has won the trust of Alonso and captured the hearts of the fans. But now, as Real Madrid prepare for a crucial quarter-final clash, Alonso faces a big decision.
Kylian Mbappe is fit and ready to return to the starting line-up, and his world-class ability can terrify any defence. However, dropping Gonzalo, who has played such a key role in getting the team this far, seems harsh.
Many feel it would be unfair to bench Gonzalo now, especially since his hard work and goals have helped Madrid reach this stage. He is even in the race for the Golden Boot at the Club World Cup.
Alonso must decide whether to stick with the in-form Gonzalo or bring back Mbappe as Real Madrid chase Club World Cup glory. Whatever he chooses, fans will be watching closely to see how this exciting story unfolds.
Real Madrid’s performance against Real Betis was shambolic, to say the least as the team faced many of the problems that have haunted them over the past couple of years.
But on a night where most of the attackers struggled to create anything of note, Dean Huijsen emerged as a lone bright spark for Los Blancos.
Huijsen keeps his promise
As reported by MARCA, Huijsen was the standout performer for Real Madrid, marshalling the backline with real authority even as the team struggled around him.
There has been a noticeable shift in the young defender’s mentality this season, with the player showing more competitive nature and looking much fiercer.
This is an attitude Huijsen had always promised, having inherited the iconic number four shift from David Alaba, a number he associates with his idols Sergio Ramos and Fernando Hierro.
“What I do know is that I’ll give everything of myself every day, whether in training or in a game,” he vowed, and at La Cartuja he delivered on that word.
His primary task was neutralising Juan ‘Cucho’ Hernandez, and he did so superbly, drying up the Colombian’s supply and repeatedly anticipating danger.
He also held his own in a niggly battle with Antony, refusing to be ruffled by one of Betis’ most inspired performers.
His composure on the ball, one of the qualities that has elevated him, saw him venture forward, forcing a fine save from the goalkeeper in the 11th minute and later heading against the woodwork.
The Konate partnership grows
Alongside him, Ibrahima Konate did his job, albeit without matching his partner’s brilliance.
The Frenchman was a little less assured, both in and out of possession, reflecting the two speeds of the centre-back pairing.
Huijsen looks settled and increasingly commanding, while Konate is still building the sharpness needed to reach his best in white.
Nonetheless, the partnership is heading in the right direction, and in Huijsen, Real Madrid appear to have unearthed a genuine leader for an area that has long been a weakness.
Each performance is also an argument to Luis de la Fuente, as the defender looks to reclaim the Spain spot he lost before the World Cup.
