Álvaro Benito spoke on SER about the decision Xabi Alonso must make against PSG: Gonzalo or Mbappé.
Gonzalo or Mbappé. This is the big question mark for Real Madrid ahead of their match against PSG tomorrow, Wednesday, in the Club World Cup semifinals. A decision Xabi Alonso must make, and one Álvaro Benito discussed on SER.
"The most normal thing is that Gonzalo continues for the moment . I think Mbappé is in the process of gaining playing time and fitness," said Álvaro Benito, adding that "Gonzalo is doing wonderfully, and why not think about giving him continuity?"
"It could start with Vinicius and Gonzalo up front and then Mbappé could come in for a bit," Álvaro continued, while warning that "with a player like Kylian Mbappé, there's no meritocracy. Gonzalo's doing very well, but when Kylian is available, Mbappé will play."
One of the options being discussed for the match against PSG is for Xabi Alonso to opt for Gonzalo and Mbappé, leaving Vinicius on the bench. Something that for Álvaro would be dangerous. "We have to think about the medium and long term of the season. Xabi Alonso is aware, and we all are aware, that for Real Madrid to win the big titles or come close to winning them, which is where they should be, they are going to need a good or a very great Vinicius. As a coach you can't just focus on the short term," said the former player, adding that "if at the first turn you keep Gonzalo, you bring on Mbappé and Vinicius you bench him... Maybe you won't have the Vinicius you want and need during the year."