Gonzalo Garcia talks Real Madrid debut, Alonso, Ancelotti, Joselu, Club World Cup – ‘If someone had told me a year ago…’ | OneFootball

Real Madrid’s Gonzalo Garcia has admitted that his rapid rise into the spotlight, capped by a starring role at the FIFA Club World Cup, still feels surreal.

The young forward, who has been a key figure in Xabi Alonso’s project, especially at the Club World Cup, sat down with AS to reflect on his journey so far and the challenges ahead.

The 21-year-old is clear about his ambitions with the national team as well. “I always aim for the top. Being able to represent my country in a World Cup… It’s a dream. As it would be for any other player.”

He also revealed how limited his contact has been with Spain boss Luis de la Fuente, explaining,

“I haven’t had much time to talk to him. Just one training session, and we said hello on the field. Pretty good, four of us made it up there, and it was amazing.”

Furthermore, when reminded of comparisons with former Madrid striker Joselu, he was quick to downplay them.

“I appreciate it, but let’s be clear, there’s a big gap between me and Raul or Joselu. I’m just starting out, and hopefully I can get close to the numbers they’ve achieved with Madrid or the national team.”

Xabi, Arbeloa and the Madrid DNA

Gonzalo Garcia was Real Madrid’s top scorer at CWC. (Photo by Luke Hales/Getty Images)

Speaking about the similarities between Xabi Alonso and Alvaro Arbeloa, Garcia noted,

“Every coach has their own style of play, their own way of seeing football. They are similar in many ways, such as in high pressure.

“It’s not that they are very, very similar and tell us different things, although there are similarities.”

As a forward, he accepts the responsibility of pressing from the front.

“The forward is the first to press when the goalkeeper takes a goal kick, and when the forward presses, it always makes things easier for the team.

“When you press, if you win the ball back closer to the opponent’s goal, you’re closer to scoring (smiles).”

The 21-year-old was later asked about the comparisons between Alonso and Carlo Ancelotti, to which he noted,

“With Ancelotti, last year, I came on at very specific moments. It’s not like I was there long enough to have an opinion.

“What I can talk about is Xabi and what he’s been telling us. That we need to polish those details to get closer to what he’s trying to convey to us.”

Golden boot and unforgettable memories

Gonzalo Garcia has been a revelation for Real Madrid. (Photo by Francois Nel/Getty Images)

Perhaps the most defining moment of his young career came when he was told he would start against Al Hilal in the Club World Cup.

“I’m not going to lie, I knew there was a possibility because Kylian was ill. Obviously, I was surprised, but I approached it with confidence.

“I was sure of myself because I had worked hard to take advantage of any opportunity. (Thinks and laughs) And I was very happy with how it went.”

On the advice he received that day, he added, “The coach always made me feel calm and confident.

“He told me to be confident, to press well, to bother the centre backs so they couldn’t get the ball out, and when we had it, to try to pin down the centre backs.

“And inside the box, to take advantage of any opportunity that came up to score a goal.”

That tournament ended with Garcia winning the Golden Boot, something he is still processing. “There, as the World Cup goes on, you don’t realize it.

“You’re focused and there are games every day, you don’t have time to digest it, but once I’m back in Spain and I’m with my family and friends, you talk about how it was and how it all happened.

“You look back and think, ‘If someone had told me a year ago… finishing the season playing with the first team and winning the Golden Boot… I can’t believe it myself.”

Grateful but grounded

Far from feeling overwhelmed by Madrid’s galaxy of stars like Kylian Mbappe, Garcia remains grounded.

“In the end, it’s true that you go from playing for Castilla and watching your idols on TV to training with them, and that, of course, impresses you.

Gonzalo garcia knows the value of being grounded. (Photo by Francois Nel/Getty Images)

“I am just very grateful to be able to share a locker room with them, with the best players in the world.”

His pride was equally evident when speaking about his contract renewal. “I was extremely happy when it was finalised.

“It’s the dream of any youth player, and for me it was very special after so many years at the club. I’m very happy to be able to say after so many years that I’ve fulfilled a dream.”

As for shirt numbers, Garcia was relaxed: “In the summer, my agent was negotiating with Madrid and told me about the options available, but in the end, my priority was to be part of the first team.

“The number is secondary. Being able to play for the best club in the world… With any number!”

Finally, reflecting on his Santiago Bernabeu appearance against Mallorca, he added,

“Special. I was lucky enough to play there for a year, as I had to move there for family reasons.

“I was lucky to make good friends and have good teammates, and I’m very happy to have been able to play a few minutes against them,” he concluded.