Who is “new” Real Madrid striker Gonzalo García?

Real Madrid’s lack of an elite-level centre-forward has long been commented on and their need for one will continue to be debated for the remainder of the season. Los Blancos have ruled out signing a big-name number nine in the January transfer window, much to Carlo Ancelotti’s frustration.

The Italian has never been one to rant and rave to club bosses about his demands, although it is common knowledge that he would like to have another striker on his roster, even one who isn’t necessarily a nailed-on starter. Ancelotti has subtly hinted at his desire for more attacking firepower since the summer, even letting Harry Kane’s name slip out at one point.

Ancelotti short of options after Vinícius and Rodrygo injuries

Injuries suffered by Vinícius Júnior and Rodrygo during the international break, meanwhile, have weakened his arsenal further, with Joselu currently the only forward who is fully fit and available (not counting Brahim Díaz, who is considered a number 10). Ancelotti will be desperately hoping nothing happens to the on-loan Espanyol man, although the need for strengthening at the top end of the pitch has been highlighted regardless.

What kind of player is Gonzalo?

And a reinforcement is on its way, from across the training complex at Real Madrid City. 19-year-old Gonzalo García will make the trip to Cádiz with the first team this weekend, a Madrid-born forward who is equally comfortable playing with his “weaker” left foot as he is with his right. A skilful, versatile attacker with an eye for goal, there has been little fanfare about the teenager, perhaps precisely because he himself has attempted to stay out of the limelight and be the model professional.

Real Madrid legend Raúl, who now coaches the Castilla reserve team, has claimed Gonzalo is “more ready than others to play for the first time right now,” a view he hasn’t shared about many. An excitement is building among supporters, staff and club management, which the youngster will have to learn to manage.

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Three previous call-ups but no game time

Gonazlo has yet to make his debut for Los Blancos but has had some first-team experience, featuring in the matchday squad on three occasions when Vinícius suffered his first injury of the season in September. The teenager was on the bench for narrow home victories over Getafe, Real Sociedad and Union Berlin but didn’t get any game time in any of them. That could soon be about to change, though, with Vinícius set to miss around a dozen games with a thigh muscle tear.

With the Brazilian expected to be absent for two-and-a-half months, Joselu and Rodrygo, who is a serious doubt for Cádiz, will lead the attack in the medium term. The pair have scored five goals each this season and are the team’s joint third top scorers behind Jude Bellingham (13) and Vinícius himself (six). Gonzalo, highly rated by Ancelotti, could now have an unexpected opportunity to join the goalscoring party in the coming weeks.

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Gonzalo becomes Madrid’s great academy hope

The 19-year-old has scored six times in all competitions this season (four in the Primera RFEF, the Spanish third tier, and two in the UEFA Youth League. However, he has played mostly on the left wing for Real Madrid Castilla and done his best work outside the penalty area.

Last season, however, was when he really took a big stride forward, scoring 35 goals and providing six assists for Real Madrid Juvenil A, the under-19 team coached by Álvaro Arbeloa who won three competitions in 2022-23. This time last year, Uruguayan striker Álvaro Rodríguez was Los Merengues’ biggest academy hope. Gonzalo has now taken over that mantle and could soon have the chance to prove why.