Barcelona icon praises breakout Real Madrid star: ‘When they decide to give him a chance, he takes it’ | OneFootball

With Kylian Mbappe injured for Real Madrid’s game against Atletico Madrid tonight, the manager appears set to count on Gonzalo Garcia once more as the team’s big goalscoring hope.

The academy graduate started, and shone, in Real Madrid’s 5-1 win over Real Betis at the weekend as he netted a stunning hat-trick for Los Blancos.

His ability to step up despite his lack of regular playing time, needless to say, left fans across the globe shocked.

Garcia picked up where he left off at the end of the FIFA Club World Cup and thus made a strong case to see more minutes for Los Blancos.

David Villa praises Gonzalo

In a recent interview with MARCA, Barcelona legend David Villa opened up on Gonzalo and what he thinks of the youngster making the most of every opportunity thrown his way.

“When you’re young, and in his case coming from the academy, you have to be aware that opportunities won’t be unlimited, and that you need to be ready every time one comes your way. And that’s the good thing,” he began.

“One of the great qualities Gonzalo has is precisely this: the boy is prepared, he doesn’t complain, he doesn’t show frustration, and when they decide to give him a chance, he takes it,” he added, praising the starlet.

The former Atletico Madrid striker then weighed in on what he thinks the future holds for the Real Madrid academy graduate, saying,

“And from there, with this mindset and this approach, he’ll get more opportunities every time. That’s how football works.”

“When you’re young, opportunities are limited; and as you get older, you get many more. And he’s at this stage now, where he has to seize every chance to gradually earn more. And I think he will do that,” he added.

Villa was then asked what type of striker Gonzalo is – a traditional No. 9 or an instinctive box presence.

“I think he’s shown both. He might not look like a very tall striker, nor a real number 9 in the Haaland mold, but he moves really well inside the penalty area, wins a lot of space, and finishes plays well.”

Gonzalo scored a hat-trick vs Real Betis. (Photo by Florencia Tan Jun/Getty Images)

“Plus, he has movement. I think he’s a very good striker, and he’ll bring big things to Spanish football,” he added, showering great praise on Garcia.

On the upcoming derby

David Villa was then quizzed on what he made of the upcoming Madrid derby and how there is never a favourite ahead of the blockbuster clash.

“Well, as they say: in the derby, there are never any favorites, and it’s hard to analyze.”

“Obviously, from my side and with my heart, I want and hope that Atletico wins. And I think with my mind that it’s possible too. Because it’s true that Atletico in the recent derbies has been very strong and made things very difficult for Madrid,” he added.

Giving his hope and prediction for the game, the Barcelona legend concluded saying,

“It’s enough to look at the last derby, and I hope and wish that Atlético qualifies for the final tonight.”

On Xabi Alonso

Towards the end of his interview, the 44-year-old was asked to give his opinion on Xabi Alonso’s job and whether the manager had more to lose or gain in the ongoing Spanish Super Cup.

“I don’t know, honestly. I wish Xabi all the best. He’s a great friend and a great teammate. I don’t know him as a coach, and obviously I can’t evaluate him, but he’s a fantastic guy and a great footballer.”

“I think he’s proving himself to be a great coach, and that he’s more than qualified to cope with this football pressure because he’s lived it since he was very young,” he added.

When asked if the Real Madrid coach just needs more time and experience, he said,

“I think time is the thing football lacks the most, especially for coaches, but also for players. And he is aware of that.”