At Real Betis, there’s an ongoing discussion about how Manuel Pellegrini could best make use of 19-year-old Pablo García’s talent. Some feel he’s already ready to take on more responsibility, while others believe patience is key.
Just like at his boyhood club, he has had to bide his time at the FIFA U-20 World Cup Chile 2025™. But since coach Paco Gallardo gave him the nod, Garcia has been instrumental in sparking Spain’s revival and their charge to the knockout stages.
“I’m very, very happy with how we played,” Garcia told FIFA after defeating Brazil. “It went exactly as planned against Brazil. Put them under pressure, stay compact, pack the middle and do what we do best with the ball. That’s what got us here.”
Garcia began Spain’s opener against Morocco on the bench and didn’t come on until his side were already 2-0 down and chasing the game. In the second match versus Mexico, he was in the starting XI and justified that decision with a superb goal that levelled the match and reignited the team’s confidence. Then, against Brazil, he assisted Iker Bravo’s winner which secured La Roja’s place in the last 16.
Operating on the right wing, he stretched opposing defences in tandem with the equally promising Jan Virgili on the opposite flank. He became Spain’s main outlet for long passes on the break, exploiting his opponents defensive lines and roaming freely in midfield.
“I always try to give my best,” he continued. “I defend aggressively and win the ball back a lot in the opposition half. On the ball, I try to inject pace on the wing and go for close or mid-range shots. And at the end of the day, I tend to contribute to our goals.”
Having impressed with his work rate and tactical awareness, Garcia’s chemistry with Bravo has been a particular standout. Before setting up the captain against Brazil, his goal against Mexico came from a flowing move that saw him exchange passes with Virgili on the right before finishing, with Bravo’s perfectly-timed dummy making all the difference.
“Pablo is like a brother to me,” Bravo stated. “He’s one of my best friends, and that shows on the pitch. I look for him, he looks for me and it just clicks.”
Describing Spain’s journey as full of “ups and downs,” the young midfielder is now relishing every second he spends on the pitch, and hopes to bring the trophy home for the first time in 26 years.
