Debate on COPE with Gonzalo, Mbappé, and Vinícius, the final at stake: 'It would be an earthquake'

Real Madrid has experienced a more than noticeable change since Xabi Alonso took charge of the first team. The performance of its players has meant a change in more than one sense, highlighting several footballers who didn't attract attention under the tactical leadership of Carlo Ancelotti.

One of the most significant is Gonzalo García. Real Madrid's "30" is the top scorer of the Club World Cup, scoring four goals in five matches, and is very close to securing a spot in the first team. That performance, in the midst of the acute gastroenteritis suffered by Mbappé and the doubts left by Vinícius's performance, has sparked a striking debate on Cadena COPE.

Joseba Larrañaga made it clear on El Partidazo that "by meritocracy, of course the boy deserves to play the match." David Sánchez continues with that idea, pointing out that Xabi Alonso "should drop Vinícius, but I think Mbappé will play and that he'll drop Gonzalo" for the semifinals. Meanwhile, Luis García made it clear that the Bondy striker still hasn't played more than half an hour after his illness.

That condition could leave him out of the starting eleven again in the Club World Cup: "I don't know if he'll keep Gonzalo as a starter and Mbappé will play more than 20 minutes." In any case, Luis García is sure that the French striker "will come off the bench": Juanma Castaño understands that "it's Xabi Alonso's first big decision" as Real Madrid's coach.

There is no consensus opinion

Despite everything, the host of El Partidazo points out that "it seems very clear. But it's true that if he decides to play Gonzalo," it would mean a very striking change in all the dynamics seen so far. The dilemma that Xabi Alonso's coaching staff might be experiencing isn't as easy to solve as it seems.

"Careful, what if Gonzalo plays and Vinícius doesn't?" asks Juanma Castaño. Luis García doesn't hesitate for a second to answer: "I see that as impossible," taking into account the extremely important role that the "7" verdeamarelo would have in Xabi Alonso's tactical schemes. Guillermo Uzquiano confesses, "I have doubts about all three things."

"First, that Gonzalo won't play as you all think, because the boy has done so well that he deserves to keep playing," argues the panelist. "It's a decision and a very bold one if it's made," concludes Uzquiano, focusing the debate on the direction Xabi Alonso would take to face the rouge-et-bleu squad.

"Then, if he plays, who does he leave out: Mbappé or Vinícius," a question that seems to be the most important. To emphasize the importance, "either one would be an earthquake" in Guillermo Uzquiano's opinion. In any case, the decision Xabi Alonso has made will be officially known in just one day, when Real Madrid reveals the starting eleven that will face PSG.