The initial games under **Xabi Alonso**`s management at **Real Madrid** were perhaps more defined by key players *missing* from the lineup than by who was present. **Kylian Mbappe** was sidelined with gastroenteritis for the group stage, and the ongoing speculation around **Rodrygo**`s future saw him start only one of the first four Club World Cup matches. This unexpected scenario, however, created the perfect stage for the tournament`s breakout star: **Gonzalo Garcia**.
The 21-year-old academy graduate may have begun the competition simply filling in for more established attackers not in the squad, but he has rapidly cemented his place alongside **Vinicius Junior** and **Jude Bellingham**. He earned his fourth start on Tuesday and repaid **Alonso**`s faith by scoring the only goal in the Round of 16 victory over **Juventus** – his third goal of the tournament. His latest was a header, meeting **Trent Alexander-Arnold**`s perfectly placed cross with an instinctive flick of the head.
**Garcia** is now among the leading scorers in the competition, level with prominent players like **Bayern Munich**`s **Harry Kane** and **Manchester City**`s **Erling Haaland** with three goals. This is a significant leap from his standing just weeks prior, having made only six senior appearances before the Club World Cup. This limited prior involvement might be partly attributed to former manager **Carlo Ancelotti**, who wasn`t typically known for heavily featuring young prospects. Whether **Alonso** will shift this approach remains to be seen, but regardless, **Garcia**`s ascent exemplifies the opportunities and challenges presented by the new-look Club World Cup format.
Even as teams from outside Europe`s traditional elite have moments to shine, the tournament theoretically still favors the larger clubs, creating scenarios where managers can experiment with tactics and player selections in the early rounds. This is particularly true following a long season and is especially relevant for **Real Madrid**, with this tournament offering a first glimpse into **Alonso**`s strategic vision as they prepare for the upcoming campaign.
Based solely on **Garcia**`s performances, **Alonso**`s experimentation is paying off – he boasts three goals and one assist in 293 minutes, creating three chances along the way. **Alonso** has already drawn comparisons between **Garcia** and legendary **Real Madrid** goalscorer **Raul**, another successful academy product. **Garcia**`s notable attribute appears to be his versatility, capable of playing anywhere across the front line, which contrasts slightly with the team`s high-profile yet arguably less flexible attackers. He has played a crucial role as **Alonso** begins shaping his version of the team, aiming for a style that mirrors the high-pressing approach seen in his successful **Bayer Leverkusen** side and aligns with contemporary tactical trends.
Looking beyond **Garcia**`s individual output, **Alonso**`s overall plans seem to be converging. Weeks after a somewhat unconvincing 1-1 draw against **Al-Hilal** to open their campaign, they delivered a dominant, attack-focused performance against **Juventus** on Tuesday. It wasn`t always aesthetically perfect, but they outshot **Juventus** 21-6 and likely would have scored more than once were it not for **Michele Di Gregorio**`s ten saves for the Italian side. **Real Madrid** achieved this performance with a blend of established players and new faces that is likely to characterize **Alonso**`s initial months – mainstays like **Bellingham** and **Vinicius** registered three and four shots respectively, while **Dean Huijsen** appeared more comfortable in his new ball-playing center-back role, and **Alexander-Arnold** bolstered his case as one of the summer`s shrewd signings with an assist.
**Garcia**`s emergence, however, provides **Real Madrid** with depth and tactical variety that was sometimes lacking as they finished their previous domestic and continental seasons without silverware. His form bodes well for their prospects in the Club World Cup, especially following **Manchester City**`s surprising elimination on Monday, and offers genuine optimism for the season ahead.
Adrian Whitmore 
Benedict Kingsley