Gonzalo Garcia is living his dream at Real Madrid, with four goals at the Club World Cup sparking comparisons to club legend Raul. The 21-year-old Castilla product says he's honoured by the praise and is determined to keep scoring as Los Blancos eye silverware under Xabi Alonso in the United States. The striker has now opened up on the comparisons with Raul.
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Gonzalo Garcia nets four goals in five CWC matches Draws comparisons to Real Madrid legend Raul Eyes Club World Cup glory against PSG next Follow GOAL on WhatsApp! 🟢📱WHAT HAPPENED?
Garcia has lit up the Club World Cup with four goals in five appearances for Real Madrid, including a key strike against Borussia Dortmund in the quarter-final. The 21-year-old forward helped Los Blancos book a semi-final date with Paris Saint-Germain in New Jersey on Wednesday. Garcia has been likened to legendary striker Raul, who previously held Real Madrid's top scorer spot, and the youngster has revealed that he feels 'pride' over the fans' comparison.
AdvertisementGettyWHAT GARCIA SAID
Speaking to the media, Garcia said: "They [fans] are comparing me with Raul, a legend. If I can do half of what he did in this shirt, then it will be more than a dream.
"I have been working, waiting for a chance, but not in my dreams would I have thought of this. I don't feel a lot of pressure. I have been working and waiting for this moment.
"The coach, the players, the staff all give me a lot of confidence. Kylian [Mbappe] is… almost… let's say the best player in the world. I feel so lucky to share a pitch and training with him, to learn from him."
THE BIGGER PICTURE
Madrid have long searched for a homegrown scorer to follow in Raul’s footsteps, and Gonzalo’s emergence has thrilled fans as he could be their answer to a lack of a traditional striker. He’s currently tied for the Club World Cup Golden Boot alongside Al-Hilal's Marcos Leonardo, Borussia Dortmund's Serhou Guirassy and Benfica's former Real Madrid star Angel Di Maria.
Getty ImagesWHAT NEXT FOR GARCIA?
Real Madrid are set to take on Champions League winners Paris Saint-Germain up next in the Club World Cup semi-final on Wednesday, July 9. Garcia will be a certain striker in the clash and he will know that even a single goal could be enough to clinch him the Golden Boot with Di Maria, Guirassy and Leonardo already out of the tournament.