Xabi Alonso's powerful message to Rodrygo and Gonzalo's example for the youth team

Real Madrid defeated Juventus in Turin with a masterful header from Gonzalo García (1-0). The Real Madrid youth product, once again a starter ahead of Kylian Mbappé, who is struggling with gastroenteritis, scored his third goal in four matches at this Club World Cup to break down the first-team squad. His punctuality has made him a key resource for Xabi Alonso . The Toulouse native, without Mbappé at the top of the attack, trusted Gonzalo García and the youth product has rewarded him from his first day at the new Real Madrid.

If Real Madrid was scouring the market for a Joselu Mato-type center forward, the great news is that that striker is already in the Real Madrid team. A finishing No. 9 profile that Courtois had already demanded after the debacle against Arsenal and who is now emerging from La Fábrica. Gonzalo simply needed to be put on the pitch and given playing time and confidence, something that Carlo Ancelotti, a manager who prioritized hierarchy and experience, didn't dare to do.

In this sense, the Real Madrid striker demonstrated that even on his darkest days, he possesses the goal-scoring determination of a different kind of player. This time, Gonzalo improved, like the rest of Real Madrid. He tried to project Vinícius Júnior, play balls to the second line, make decisive passes, and free up his teammates with dragging movements from the center-backs.

Real Madrid finds gold in its youth academy

These are characteristics that he has been putting into play since the start of the Club World Cup... and without ceasing to press , an aspect of Xabi Alonso's game that he prioritizes. At the end of the match, several Real Madrid players reiterated the message sent by Gonzalo's performance and Xabi's commitment to him. "He's a player from the youth academy, he's always fighting under the shadow of all of us at Castilla and there he is fighting with pride for what he represents and we have to congratulate him," Fede Valverde began on DAZN .

"For me, having lived what I've lived, I tell him when we're at the hotel . Prepare yourself, be ready ... It seems ironic, but I come from where he is and for him to deserve this... I congratulate him and I hope he and all the guys who are working so hard continue working and I hope we can have them with us," added Fran García.

After the match, Gonzalo García spoke about his coach's comments, comparing him to Raúl González Blanco, after the latter stated that he reminded him of the legendary Real Madrid striker due to his goalscoring ability, voracity, and resourcefulness. " I always try to be in the box, whether you score with your head, your knee, or whatever." Joselu himself, also on DAZN , concluded his search for a number 9 like him after seeing Gonzalo's last goal.

Rodrygo, the bitterest face

On the other hand, Rodrygo didn't play a single minute against Juventus. For the second time in four matches, the Brazilian striker didn't play. Despite the tight score , Juventus' fatigue, the opportunity to kill the game, and Mbappé's discomfort, Rodrygo didn't come onto the field, sending another strong message from Xabi Alonso.

At the start of the tournament, Xabi Alonso stated that Rodrygo is "special" and that he was on the bench "by technical decision, but he will continue to be important and we will need him at the World Cup." The Tolosa native also revealed that "Rodrygo took some time off at the end of the season ." However, the facts show that Rodrygo is aiming to be a substitute from the bench (if he stays) rather than a top player, as he was under Ancelotti. The Brazilian's departure from Real Madrid gains momentum as the Club World Cup progresses.