GOAL's World-Class Club: Football's exclusive brotherhood

GOAL's World-Class Club: Hampton usurps Earps in 2025

Why BDO favourite Dembele can't be dubbed world-class

This is proper England 

How hero Hampton defied the odds to become world-class

Editors' Picks

'Not very popular' Lewandowski told to quit Barca for Saudi

Transfers LIVE: Man Utd submit opening Sesko offer

Villarreal fan club president criticises Partey transfer pursuit

Lazy?! Six deals Man Utd must get done to appease Bruno

Rio is ready! Winners & losers of Liverpool's pre-season

Chelsea urged to beat Man Utd to Martinez signing

<p style="display: none;">Article continues below</p><p style="display: none;">Article continues below</p><p style="display: none;">Article continues below</p><script type="application/json" data-placement="match-schedule">{"type":"match-schedule","data":{"matchScheduleId":"bltb15444520f7d565f"}}</script><script type="application/json" data-placement="fcplayer-semantic">{"type":"fcplayer-semantic","data":{"embedCode":"//cdn.fcp.codes/embed-code-template/embed-code-template.js#SEMANTIC_5704afb8-c10b-4ba5-9cb4-d7fb6098ef90"}}</script><ul><li>De la Fuente provides verdict on Garcia</li><li>Impressed by youngster's performances at CWC</li><li>Wants Madrid starlet to gain more experience</li></ul><table><tbody><tr><td><a href="https://www.whatsapp.com/channel/0029Va2ivxLJJhzdzbJdwo0n"><strong>Follow GOAL on WhatsApp!</strong></a> 🟢📱</td></tr></tbody></table>

Gonzalo Garcia must complete 'military service' before he can earn Spain call-up as coach Luis de la Fuente gives verdict on Real Madrid youngster's Club World Cup stardom

Club Friendlies

WSG Tirol

Real Madrid

<p>Spain national team head coach De la Fuente used a "military service" metaphor while speaking about a potential La Roja call-up for the in-form Real Madrid youngster Gonzalo, who has <a href="https://www.goal.com/en/lists/kylian-mbappe-left-stunned-real-madrid-bench-gonzalo-garcia-matches-cristiano-ronaldo-record-goal-against-dortmund-club-world-cup/blt9f5efc03cff7afc7" target="_blank">stolen the limelight at the ongoing Club World Cup</a>. The Madrid academy graduate has started all games for the La Liga giants under new manager Xabi Alonso so far, sparking discussions about a call-up to the Spanish national team in the near future.</p>

WHAT HAPPENED?

<p>Alonso began his tenure as Madrid manager at the Club World Cup. The former Bayer Leverkusen boss handed 21-year-old Gonzalo a start in his managerial debut with Los Blancos, which was also the striker's first-ever start for the Whites. He hit the ground running immediately, scoring a goal against Al-Hilal. Since then, the Castilla record-breaker has notched three more goals and an assist, registering a direct goal contribution in each of Madrid's five games at the Club World Cup. He is currently the <a href="https://www.goal.com/en/news/club-world-cup-2025-top-scorers/blted0afea0b35d5250" target="_blank">joint-top scorer at the tournament</a> and is destined to seal a spot in the first team for the 2025-26 season. His performances have not gone unnoticed, though, with suggestions already being made that Gonzalo should receive a national call-up. With <a href="https://www.goal.com/en/lists/alvaro-morata-decision-striker-spain-world-cup-dream-retirement-qatar-offer-cesc-fabregas-como/blt8b5b7c995ee9bfa1" target="_blank">Spain captain Alvaro Morata's international future uncertain</a>, Gonzalo provides a great option in attack for De la Fuente. However, the Euro 2024-winning coach wants the young marksman to gain more experience, despite showing considerable progress.</p><div data-name="DAZN" class="affiliate-button-container theme-1"><div class="affiliate-button"><img height="40" width="72" src="https://eu-images.contentstack.com/v3/assets/bltcc7a7ffd2fbf71f5/blt2a657c326f3152f3/65709dfdfcc91a04075bd960/DAZN.png" class="logo" style="width: 72px; height: 40px;"><span class="affiliate-text">Watch every FIFA Club World Cup game free on DAZN</span></div><a href="https://prf.hn/click/camref:1100lfsPh/destination:https://www.dazn.com/welcome/fifa-club-world-cup" target="_blank" class="affiliate-button-link">Stream now</a></div>

THE BIGGER PICTURE

<p>Speaking at an Spanish Football Federation event, De la Fuente said: "He's earning the right to be a national team player in the future, but the important thing is not to rush into things or get carried away. He's not looking for a short or immediate performance. He hasn't played a single second in the First Division. As they say in my town, you have to do a bit of military service to earn the opportunity and the right to occupy positions with top-level players.</p><p>"I hope there are many Gonzalos, [Dean] Huijsens, or Lamines [Yamal] who can guarantee our future and present."</p>

WHAT LUIS DE LA FUENTE SAID

<p>Gonzalo will be hoping to continue his imperious form by starting in Madrid's next game, a crunch Club World Cup semi-final against Champions League winners Paris Saint-Germain at the MetLife Stadium on Wednesday, July 9.</p>

WHAT NEXT FOR GONZALO GARCIA?

Gonzalo Garcia must complete 'military service' before he can earn Spain call-up as coach Luis de la Fuente gives verdict on Real Madrid youngster's Club World Cup stardom | Goal.com

Spain national team boss Luis de la Fuente wants young Gonzalo Garcia to gain more experience before receiving a maiden international call-up.

Gonzalo Garcia must complete &apos;military service&apos; before he can earn Spain call-up as coach Luis de la Fuente gives verdict on Real Madrid youngster&apos;s Club World Cup stardom

Next Match