They score points
Some players have clearly taken advantage of this start to the Club World Cup to shine. While the level of certain players like Courtois and Fede Valverde was known to all and these two men have nothing to prove, others are proving to Alonso that they can be useful for the coming season. Inevitably, we think first and foremost of Gonzalo Garcia , the sensation of these first competitive matches for Madrid. The 21-year-old striker distinguished himself with a goal against Al-Hilal and an assist against Pachuca, proving to be a very complete attacker, capable of finishing off moves in the box, but also of playing as a pivot or dropping back to participate in the play, always intelligently. At a time when the Madrid press is talking about the club's desire to recruit a substitute number 9, the ideal candidate could already be at home.
Another player who has made a strong impression at the start of the Club World Cup is Dean Huijsen . The Spanish defender's qualities and talent were already well known, but what he showed on the ball and in his reading of the game in his first steps in the Merengue shirt wowed everyone. Suffice to say that if he continues like this, he will be unshakeable for Xabi Alonso... Arda Güler also gives the impression of flourishing under the orders of his new coach. The Madrid press was convinced that Alonso would give him a lot of playing time as well as responsibilities. And they weren't lying. Just like the little Turkish prodigy is in the process of repaying his coach's trust with some great performances where he shows off his creativity and exceptional technical qualities.
Brahim Diaz , who came on in the second half in both matches played so far, also showed some good things and according to the Spanish press, Xabi Alonso is convinced that he can be useful. Player in the trough of the wave: Fran Garcia . Starting in both matches and in the line-up until the end, the Spaniard showed that if he is perhaps a little short to claim a starting place, he can be useful in the rotation, notably thanks to his physical abilities which allow him to make multiple runs on his flank. Aurelien Tchouameni, to a lesser extent, and even if the rumors concerning a departure had faded, delivered two more than decent performances, again helping out in central defense against Pachuca.
They get into trouble
For others, the record is much less glorious. This is the case of Raul Asencio , at the top of the list of disappointments of the moment on the Merengue side. Author of a brilliant second half of the season, the defender from La Fabrica made big mistakes, giving away a penalty to Al-Hilal in the first match, and being quickly sent off against the Mexicans. A terrible start to the competition which risks costing him dearly, since with the arrival of Huijsen and the upcoming return of Éder Militão, not to mention Antonio Rüdiger, places will be expensive in the central defense. Trent Alexander-Arnold , highly anticipated, also delivered two average performances. Nothing too serious, and we are talking about a player who has just arrived in Madrid and who will therefore need time to adapt, but we felt he was in very serious difficulty on the defensive side. With a competitor like Dani Carvajal available at the start of the season, the Englishman knows he can't afford to make any mistakes. With the ball, however, we've seen all the positive things he could bring to the team.
Then come the two hot topics of the moment. Vinicius Jr , who had the opportunity to show himself, especially in the absence of Kylian Mbappé, is missing out. The Brazilian number 7 is struggling enormously to make a difference with the ball at his feet and to blend into the Madrid collective, even if in his defense, playing with a numerical inferiority like against Pachuca it is always more difficult. Unlike others, his starting place is not in danger, but the Madridistas are worried to see a Vinicius Jr so lackluster when he has the ball at his feet. Rodrygo Goes , once announced as leaving, one day announced as a key player for Alonso, is having a strange tournament. Author of a decent performance but nothing more against Al-Hilal, with an assist to the key, he did not really disappoint if we talk about performances on the field. But his absence against Pachuca, which is setting the stage for a heated debate in Spain, is perhaps a sign that his Madrid adventure is coming to an end. And if it's not due to a future transfer, it's a serious admission of a lack of confidence that players like VÃctor Muñoz came on against Pachuca and not him.
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