Joselu type? Yes. One of Real Madrid’s priorities for the summer is to sign a traditional striker, one that could settle for secondary role, just like they had in Joselu and they may have found one in homegrown star, Gonzalo Garcia.
Although Joselu was not a signing befitting a Galactico, he had his moments, some of which proved a handful in the success recorded in 2023-24 campaign, where they won both the Champions League and La Liga titles.
Looking to mend the squad after the shambolic season in Carlo Ancelotti’s final, Real Madrid appointed Xabi Alonso, and to implement his own philosophy, a traditional #9 he reckon is needed, for a bit of predicability that still can not be contained.
Last season, Real Madrid struggled without a traditional #9, even more when they can’t find a balance with the trio of Rodrygo, Vinicius Junior and Kylian Mbappé all in the pitch at a time. The box presence was lacking, and they could not find a solution within, a tragedy Alonso wishes to avoid as he prepares for his first season.
There haven’t been links with many names as it is difficult to grab a hold of players that fit into this category, with the Arab money and Cristiano Ronaldo already influencing moves to the middle east.
Last month, Osasuna striker Ante Budimir was reported as a suitable candidate but nothing concrete has followed the speculation. Four games into Alonso’s reign, that signing may now be considered redundant as the club appeared to have found their man in a homegrown talent, Gonzalo Garcia.
Gonzalo Garcia: The Homemade Star Ready to Answer the Joselu type call
Added to the squad for the FIFA Club World Cup tournament having had a couple of appearances due to injuries before the end of the season, Gonzalo Garcia has made the #9 spot his own, and his consistency has not only made him the ideal candidate but will as well give Alonso a bit of headache when it comes to selection.
In the absence of Kylian Mbappé, who has been sidelined by illness since the tournament kicked off, the young striker has lead the lines expertly, and has delivered vital attacking returns to keep Los Blancos’ hopes of winning alive.
He remains the only player to be directly involved in at least a goal in each of the four round of games so far, and his latest has helped the European giants to a place in the last eight.
While Real Madrid remains undecided on the future of one of their attackers, Rodrygo the probable candidate, the emergence of Garcia will make a decision easier, and coming from within, without a cost incurred will help boost the club’s finances.
Trent Alexander-Arnold and Dean Huijsen have both arrived as defensive reinforcements this summer and the club have eyes for further incomings, Garcia staking a claim for the #9 spot will be a much welcome aid, as Real may no longer have a need to spend on another striker.
Aside from offering more energy than a potential old age signing, Garcia has been schooled in the Madrid way and he appears to also be favoured by Xabi Alonso, who has gave him more minutes than any other Real Madrid attacker not named Vinicius Junior, so far in the United States.
In four starts, the 21-year-old has scored three and assisted one, playing direct involvement in 50 percent of the club’s eight goals so far in the competition. He is a different type, and is definitely making a difference for Xabi Alonso.
Standing at six feet, he is a decent aerial threat and taller than all the other Real Madrid attackers. His goals have been pure ecstasy, top striker’s finish, dinking the ball over the Goalkeepers for his first two and his latest coming via a header.
The man who scored 25 goals in 36 games for the Castilla last season is ready for a role in the first team. His outing so far at the FIFA Club World Cup shows his hunger and zeal to fill the vacant spot in the team.
The Joselu type striker needed is no longer a problem for Madrid, if Xabi Alonso choose to extend the trust in Garcia beyond the pre season. For the youngster who must have hoped for the chance to star for his boyhood club, he is doing justice to the opportunity, and a decision to keep him will be justified.
If Garcia proves a successful experiment come the long season ahead, it will prove Alonso more of an expert and discredit Carlo Ancelotti, who had the Spaniard within reach last season, but never gave him the chances to really make an impression.
Kehinde-Hassan Afolabi
1 Comment
Thank you ❤️