Maldini recommends this player to Xabi Alonso after Borussia: 'The one he needs'

One of the most outstanding names at Real Madrid in the Club World Cup is Gonzalo García. The striker trained at La Fábrica was promoted to the starting line-up due to the absence of a center forward in Santiago Bernabéu locker room. Xabi Alonso's game plans have offered him an excellent fit in the first team, an opportunity he hasn't wasted.

With four goals in five matches, Gonzalo García is the number one candidate to win the top scorer trophy of the competition organized by FIFA this summer. His performance is appreciated at all levels of Real Madrid and generates a consensual positive opinion, like the one expressed by Julio Maldonado in his analysis of the Real Madrid-Borussia Dortmund match.

The international soccer expert recalls that the "30" in white "is already the top scorer of the World Cup, let's see what happens in that match against PSG". Xabi Alonso has the option of having an Mbappé "who, logically, will now be available" as a starter for the semifinals. "But of course, benching Gonzalo, who is the top scorer of the tournament, is a decision" that doesn't seem so desired or expected.

"Let's see what decision Xabi Alonso makes", says the journalist known as "Maldini." "The truth is that he scores the first goal with a very good finish, a great cross from Güler, and then he moves very well, works very well as always", he notes. Julio Maldonado praises every decision Gonzalo García makes, constantly active in the match: "off the ball, constant movement".

He has practically everything

The development Gonzalo García has experienced during the Club World Cup has led to this particular statement from Julio Maldonado. For everything the "30" in white has contributed since the tournament began, "Maldini" believes that "he's the '9' Real Madrid needs". The veteran journalist has no doubts, suggesting that he should take on a more prominent role for next season.

"In the second half, when Kylian Mbappé came on, it was surprising, because at times he played a little closer to the right side. Then, in the end, he ended up adapting a bit more as a '9' and Mbappé a bit more on the left" recalls Julio Maldonado, but his versatility is already on the table. "He started on the right wing in attack, where he's also played a few times for Castilla", notes the international soccer expert.

Julio Maldonado insists on highlighting Gonzalo García as one of the best players in the quarterfinal match. The clash between Real Madrid and Borussia Dortmund has left few outstanding figures apart from the newcomer, placing the young striker from Madrid among the most "needed" footballers for Xabi Alonso.

In addition to that recommendation, "Maldini" clarifies that Gonzalo García's work "off the ball" makes him the footballer who fits perfectly with the Basque coach's plans. Xabi Alonso demands commitment and constant defensive effort, something the striker trained at La Fábrica has managed to incorporate into his matches... without losing his current offensive and goal-scoring potential.