Five shots, two goals: Real Madrid’s surprise summer signing leaves early impression on Jose Mourinho

Five shots, two goals: Real Madrid’s surprise summer signing leaves early impression on Jose Mourinho Carlos Espi arrived at Real Madrid with far less attention than most of the club’s summer signings.  In fact, his move came as something of a surprise , especially after Los Blancos had decided to sell academy striker Gonzalo Garcia to Fulham. But a few weeks into Jose Mourinho’s pre-season, the former Levante forward has already given Real Madrid plenty to think about, reports AS . Espi finished the summer preparations as the team’s top scorer, finding the net twice in four appearances despite not starting a single game.  For a player brought in without major expectations, it has been an impressive introduction to life at Valdebebas. Mourinho’s search for a new No. 9 led Real Madrid to Espi Accoridng to the outlet, the No. 9 position was one of the areas Mourinho examined closely after taking charge of Real Madrid. Carlos Espi scored two goals in pre-season. (Photo by Christof Koepsel/Getty Images) Gonzalo Garcia was initially not expected to leave, with Mourinho blocking his departure. However, Fulham’s financial proposal eventually changed the situation. There was also a question of profile. Gonzalo did not fully match what Mourinho wanted from a supporting striker, while Real Madrid saw Espi as a player capable of filling a different role.  Simply put, the comparison points towards the type of impact Joselu once provided: physical, a willingness to work for the team and the ability to make a difference without requiring many touches or chances. Espi’s pre-season numbers support that idea. Across 153 minutes in four matches, all as a substitute, the striker attempted just five shots. Four of them were on target, and two found the net. Carlos Espi’s profile is compared to Joselu. (Photo by Christof Koepsel/Getty Images) He will therefore begin the La Liga season as Real Madrid’s top scorer from pre-season. Two goals and a growing role at Valdebebas Espi’s impact has not been limited to the scoreline, as the 21-year-old is settling well into his new surroundings and is already becoming a popular figure within the squad.  According to AS, Joan Martinez has played a role in helping him adapt to the dressing room through a personal connection, while the striker has also begun building an understanding with some of the other new arrivals. One such connection was visible against Schalke, where Marc Cucurella delivered the cross, and Espi attacked it to score with his head. Despite his antics, it is crucial to note that this does not mean Espi will suddenly become a regular starter. He knows minutes will be difficult to come by at Real Madrid and that he will have to make the most of every opportunity. But he has made sure the manager knows what he is capable of.