Two men in an American football stadium, one in the foreground and another in the background wearing a Real Madrid training uniform. — Xabi Alonso has his "number 9" in light of Endrick's absence | Real Madrid Confidencial

Camara — Xabi Alonso has his "number 9" in light of Endrick's absence | Real Madrid Confidencial

Xabi Alonso already has a '9' for the Club World Cup, he acts after Endrick's injury

Basque Xabi Alonso has not hesitated to make this important decision for the Club World Cup

09/06/2025 05:45:00h

Diego Mengual

Xabi Alonso's era will begin this Monday at Real Madrid's Ciudad Deportiva in Valdebebas.

The Basque coach has called his players early in the morning to start preparing for the FIFA Club World Cup.

In this tournament, Real Madrid will fight to win the title, but they'll also look to analyze the squad, something Xabi Alonso has already warned about.

"The circumstances have come together for this to happen. Once it does, I see it as an opportunity in two ways. One, to move processes forward, to get to know each other... things about how we want to be. Then, for the chance to fight for another title. It's the first Club World Cup that's going to be held and the ambition is at its highest. If we're able to combine these two things, it could be a great start and that's, from today, what I have here," said the Basque coach at a press conference.

Soccer player in an orange uniform celebrating on the field during a match

Gonzalo dreams of succeeding in Madrid | Real Madrid Confidencial

An emergency '9'

The Basque coach will face the world tournament heavily affected by injuries, so he'll have absences in every area of the field.

This explains why Xabi Alonso has decided to bet on La Fábrica, which this season has produced Raúl Asencio.

However, in recent hours there's been a lot of talk in Valdebebas about Gonzalo, who will fill the gap left by Endrick's injury.

Real Madrid goalkeeper celebrating effusively during a soccer match in an orange uniform

Gonzalo will be a reinforcement for Xabi | Real Madrid Confidencial

The young Brazilian won't be available for the Club World Cup and Xabi Alonso is clear that he needs a box striker, one with different characteristics from Mbappé's.

In addition, journalist Fernando S. Tavero stated that this will also serve as an analysis for 2025-2026.

"At Madrid, they believe Gonzalo, top scorer in Primera RFEF and record holder in a season with Castilla (25 goals, like Mariano), is ready for the elite. All of this is further boosted by the state of the squad, with Endrick, the 'standby nine,' injured. Although the presence of the player from Taguatinga doesn't clash with the plan for Gonzalo. They're different profiles. That's exactly what Xabi is going to examine," said the AS newspaper journalist.

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