The team seems like a different one with the arrival of Xabi Alonso on the bench. Real Madrid is performing at a high level, even with some things to work on, but the truth is that the way of working and the new tactical scheme on the pitch has improved the performance of some players who, under Ancelotti, were playing a secondary role, such as Fran García on the left wing.
A good World Cup for Fran García
Fran García went to the Club World Cup like a student playing for his future with his final exam results. After a year of mixed results, the full-back is having a remarkable World Cup despite the threat of Carreras’ signing being just around the corner. The former Rayo Vallecano player’s performance has improved considerably compared to what we saw during the season, when, in the absence of Ferland Mendy, Ancelotti even opted to convert Camavinga into a full-back. Fran García is enjoying his best spell at Madrid since his arrival.
In the absence of competition, beyond the youth team, he has been a starter in every game, offering a more than acceptable performance. He looks more confident and less hesitant than during the season, solid in defense and contributing in attack. Against Juventus, for example, he made 47 passes, all of them good, won nine duels, had 75 touches, and made four crosses.
His great run culminated yesterday in the match against Borussia, where he scored and was named MVP of the match. The full-back made it 2-0 in the 20th minute. Trent Alexander-Arnold sent in a strong, low cross and Fran García finished first time to give Real Madrid an even bigger lead. He celebrated the goal with all the passion in the world after what he has been through this season.
Fran García focused on working
Fran García has played what is surely his best game for Real Madrid and at the end of the match he assessed the game and the criticism he has received. “It may sound like a cliché, but it’s true that in my first year I was advised to stop playing in goal. In the end, everything comes around. But I said it the other day: I’m calm, and I think that shows. I’m focused on trying to help the team and giving my best. What happens off the pitch obviously gets heard, but it’s not my concern. I have to focus on my job, and whatever happens off the pitch, we’ll see.”
Xabi Alonso assesses his tournament
“He’s had a great tournament, with top-level concentration and intensity, knowing when to wait and when to go for it… He’s benefited from Vini drawing two players. I’m happy for Fran, his attitude is an example. I told him, if you’re far away you can’t score, if you get there, you can score… And that’s why he’s scored,” said the coach.
Carreras and Mendy as competition
Real Madrid seems determined to go after Álvaro Carreras when the World Cup is over, and the player who would be affected by this signing was expected to be Fran García, but with his great performance, Xabi Alonso’s final decision may be to keep the player after this great tournament. The team’s options could be to opt not to go to the market, which seems unlikely, or to sacrifice Mendy, who is prone to injury and may not be recovered until October.