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

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 stolen the limelight at the ongoing Club World Cup. 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.

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 joint-top scorer at the tournament 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 Spain captain Alvaro Morata's international future uncertain, 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.

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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.

"I hope there are many Gonzalos, [Dean] Huijsens, or Lamines [Yamal] who can guarantee our future and present."

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.