Gonzalo Seizes the '9' Role at Madrid Amid Mbappé's Absence Gonzalo García has long demonstrated that when given an opportunity, he doesn’t just take it—he leaves a lasting mark. For a forward of his caliber, the prolonged absence of Kylian Mbappé represents a golden chance, and the young Madrid player is seizing it without hesitation. His season so far can be summed up by a striking statistic: all six of his goals this term have come in Mbappé’s absence. With the Frenchman available, Gonzalo often shifts to the wing, a role that limits his primary strength: his clinical finishing in the box, a trait he showcased during the Club World Cup, where he claimed the Golden Boot. The Club World Cup marked a turning point in his career, though his rise began a year earlier. A last-minute header against Leganés in the Copa del Rey, in the 93rd minute, prevented a potential extra time and opened the door to the first team. That moment signaled the start of a meteoric rise, both on the pitch and in the transfer market. According to Transfermarkt, his value has surged from €2 million to €15 million in just one year. The only competition left on his agenda is the Champions League, where he has yet to score, but with Mbappé sidelined and the demanding European schedule in March, the opportunity feels more tangible than ever. For Real Madrid’s coach, Álvaro Arbeloa, this presents a dilemma that every manager would welcome. Without Mbappé—whose return is uncertain and will only happen once he’s fully fit—the role of the central striker is firmly occupied. Gonzalo starts ahead of alternatives like Rodrygo, Franco Mastantuono, or Brahim Díaz, who would typically feature in the rotation. His growth has not gone unnoticed by the national team either.#real_madrid #kylian_mbappe #club_world_cup #gonzalo_garcia #david_gordo
