The green shoot is called Gonzalo: how to close an old Real Madrid debate with hard work and goals

Real Madrid 's Club World Cup debut wasn't what was expected. The Whites held themselves to a draw against Al-Hilal , although they had a chance to win with Fede Valverde's missed penalty in stoppage time. But beyond the result, which already left something to be desired, the reality is that the team's performance on the pitch was far from what one would expect from a team eager to forget last season.

It's true that this is a mid-season tournament, with very high temperatures and high humidity, elements that don't make life easy for teams out of competition and needing to readjust. But it's no less true that these are the same conditions experienced by many of the participating clubs . However, the feeling of a very disconnected team for much of the match was evident... except for a few pieces of good news .

The Club World Cup is an official tournament, and as such, no team has gone to the United States on vacation. But it seems that some Madrid players haven't understood this and don't seem to grasp that, with a new coach, it doesn't matter what you've demonstrated before, if you don't get involved, you could be benched if you don't perform. And that's something that, in the opposite direction, Gonzalo García, the green shoot of Madrid, was engraved in his memory .

Last season, the youth player was Castilla's breakthrough player, shattering the all-time record for goals in the Primera Federación with 25. This earned him a regular spot in the first team squad, but he rarely received any opportunities on the pitch. He played 66 minutes across four matches, providing an assist and scoring a crucial goal , which helped Madrid eliminate Leganés from the Copa del Rey in the 94th minute and advance to the semifinals.

And so it is that we have reached the World Cup, where Gonzalo has had a lucky chance... but has decided to seize his opportunity with both hands. The untimely absence of Kylian Mbappé, coupled with Endrick's injury , left Madrid without a key number nine for the tournament. Xabi Alonso's arrival made the rest possible . With Carlo Ancelotti in charge, the most talented player would have played, which would have meant moving other players around. Not with the Tolosa native.

Xabi stopped inventing things and opted for a more conventional striker. Fewer minutes at the top level, yes, but with a clear idea of ​​what he should do in his position . And that's exactly what he did against Al-Hilal: movements like a number nine, breaking away from the defense, behind the defense, short passes, and support for the exit, constantly reading what the play required. It was in the 34th minute when he scored his goal after a good collective move and, yes, with a bit of luck in a less than clean shot.

A footballer who wants to succeed

But that's what you'd expect from a goalscorer who, even when he doesn't shoot well, still puts it in the direction of goal . He had a couple more chances, like a shot from the edge of the box that he didn't quite connect with, or a pair of headers in the second half that Bono saved. But Gonzalo's great virtue in scoring the goal was starting the play on the edge of the box, following it while waiting to find his best position , and ultimately scoring the goal, incidentally, the first in Madrid's history at the Club World Cup.

And yet, his work wasn't limited to attacking duties. He cleared two balls, intercepted a shot on goal... and produced a high-quality defensive performance in the closing stages, which demonstrates his commitment. It was in the 86th minute of the match, with Madrid focused on attacking. After a ball into the box, Al-Hilal counterattacked. At that moment, Gonzalo was the most advanced player. Who was the first to reach the defensive zones? The youth academy product was the improvised center back for that play.

In fact, he prevented the clear pass to the striker, and just seconds later, Fran García's penalty was awarded . Gonzalo García has perfectly understood that if he wants to secure a place in Madrid next season, this is how it must be. Good performances must go far beyond his numbers and his attacking contributions; he must demonstrate that extra hunger that is so necessary for Madrid . The fans are in need of attacking youth players who give their all.

Mbappé's absence, who will also miss the match against Pachuca, will give Gonzalo another opportunity to get playing time , a confidence he's always shown with solid performances. And the truth is , the biggest green shoot for this Madrid side is a young player who wants to wear white next season . The fact that the greatest lesson on how to convince a new coach comes from a 21-year-old speaks volumes for him... and not so much for other players.