With the Club World Cup semifinal approaching, Xabi Alonso finds himself at a tactical crossroads: should he start the world-class Kylian Mbappé, or stick with homegrown standout Gonzalo García, who has excelled in the Frenchman’s absence?

Why Isn’t Mbappé a Guaranteed Starter?

Kylian Mbappé entered the tournament just after recovering from a gastroenteritis that sidelined him during the group stage. While he’s now medically cleared, Alonso admitted that the star forward is still not at 100% and needs a few more days to reach peak fitness.

His stunning bicycle-kick goal against Borussia Dortmund in the quarterfinals was a reminder of what he’s capable of—but doubts remain over his full-match readiness.

Why Is Gonzalo García Making a Strong Case?

At just 21 years old, Gonzalo García has been a revelation. Starting all three matches so far, he’s scored four goals, making him co-top scorer of the tournament. Alonso praised his performance post-match, saying:

“He’s where he belongs” and “He seized his chance.”

The young striker’s form and chemistry with the team have made him difficult to bench, even with a superstar waiting on the sidelines.

What Has Xabi Alonso Said About the Decision?

The Real Madrid manager has kept his cards close to the chest, stating that the final decision will depend on Mbappé’s physical condition in the days leading up to the semifinal. At the moment, Alonso appears to be leaning toward starting Gonzalo García, potentially keeping Mbappé on the bench unless he proves fully fit.