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Soccer

REAL MADRID

Fran García: From Rayo to Real Madrid

On Wednesday, García scored in Rayo’s win over Barça.

Carlos Forjanes
Carlos ForjanesForjanes_AS
Fran García celebrates his goal against Barcelona, the 2-0 victory for Rayista against Xavi's team.
Rodrigo JimenezEFE

Real Madrid’s first confirmed signing of 2023-24 is former youth player Fran García. The 23-year-old from Bolaños de Calatrava has once again had an outstanding season, where he has scored two goals to justify his return to Chamartín, which was confirmed four months ago by Rayo Vallecano owner Raúl Martín Presa.

On 9 April he beat Jan Oblak with a left-footed strike from over 25 yards out, although Rayo eventually lost 2-1 to Atlético Madrid, and on Wednesday he repeated the feat against Barça, this time to give his side the win.

The statistics, in addition to those goals, are impressive. He is the third most successful defender for defending 1-v-1s in the Primera División (31), only bettered by Iza Carcelén (37) and his Rayo teammate Óscar Valentín (33).

2-0. Fran García roba el balón a Frenkie de Jong en un balón dividido, se va sólo y en el mano a mano, bate a Marc-André ter Stegen con un tiro cruzado
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2-0. Fran García roba el balón a Frenkie de Jong en un balón dividido, se va sólo y en el mano a mano, bate a Marc-André ter Stegen con un tiro cruzadoJESUS ALVAREZ ORIHUELADIARIO AS

Rayo regular

There have no been reoccurring shoulder problems either. He previously had to undergo surgery on several occasions during his time at Real Madrid. If García was looking for a chance to develop his skills in Vallecas, Rayo has been the best possible place. He has played all 31 league games, and was only rested once in the whole season, in the first round of the Copa del Rey against Mollerussa. In total, he has been on the pitch for 93.3% of the possible minutes this season.

Doubts over Mendy

Madrid have doubts about Ferland Mendy and his injury problems. In fact, SER Deportivos reported on Thursday that the club want to sell the Frenchman. Fran García will be back at Madrid to stay and in addition to helping the quota for home-grown players for the Champions League, he will give Carlo Ancelotti a good problem to have on the left.