Gonzalo has broken into the Real Madrid first team and, through hard work and goals, has earned the trust of newcomer Xabi Alonso, who has backed the youth player from the outset. But his emergence in the elite of soccer has had a domino effect, and the big clubs in Europe, especially those in the Premier League, are going to try to lure the player, and the club, with big offers after the World Cup.
Gonzalo exceeds expectations
Xabi Alonso bet heavily on Gonzalo from day one. At Real Madrid, there are few opportunities for youth players, but perhaps his fate changed when Mbappé suffered gastroenteritis that hospitalized him at the start of the Club World Cup. Or maybe it didn’t have any influence; we’ll never know. But the truth is that in the debut against Al-Hilal, Gonzalo was the big surprise, replacing the Frenchman in the Tolosa-born coach’s starting eleven, which most resembled Ancelotti’s version. The youth player, along with the two signings in defense, was the only new addition.
And he was the best player of the match—he received the MVP award—scoring the only goal for Real Madrid, which ultimately proved crucial in securing the group’s leadership. Since then, he has not missed a single start. In the second game, when Xabi Alonso dared to impose his system, Rodrygo was the one who sacrificed himself – he now seems to be on his way out – and he was once again key, with more confidence, leading the team’s pressure with one player less due to the early sending off of Asencio. He was once again one of the best players on the team. In the third game, it was confirmed that he was no longer a stopgap for Xabi Alonso, and he was once again one of the standout players in the victory that qualified the Whites for the round of 16.
The round of 16 was a big step up, and Mbappé had been given the all-clear to play his first minutes in the World Cup. But the Basque coach didn’t want to change anything. Gonzalo was once again in the starting line-up. This time the prize was greater, the responsibility was demanding, one slip-up and the team would be out. In the second half, with Real Madrid throwing everything forward but unable to break through the Italian defense, Trent Alexander-Arnold crossed into the box and Gonzalo headed home. It was a momentous goal, not only for what it meant, a place in the quarterfinals, but also for the way it came about, with a cross into the box and a header from a number 9, something Real Madrid had been missing all season.
There is a lot of uncertainty as to whether Gonzalo will start in the quarterfinals against Dortmund, as the French striker seems to be in better form. Or we don’t know if Xabi will try again with three men up front. The truth is that it would not be deserved for Gonzalo to start on the bench.
The Premier League sets its sights on Gonzalo
The millions of English football are knocking on Real Madrid’s door. Several teams would be willing to pay $50 million for the player and pay him whatever it takes to get him, but the player wants to succeed in white. He will be registered with the first team, he will have a contract renewal, and the young prospect will be protected. He is being compared to Raúl, which is saying a lot. The club wants him to stay, and he wants to succeed at his club, the team he dreamed of playing for and with which he is now riding high. The Premier League is tempting and coming on strong.