Arda Guler is one of the players who benefited the most when Xabi Alonso took over at Real Madrid. It was the meticulousness of the Spanish coach that helped the 20-year-old Turkish star have the opportunity to prove himself. Alonso gives everyone a chance and scores very carefully, so anyone with the ability and potential is considered.
Before leaving his position at the Bernabeu, Carlo Ancelotti had predicted that in the future, Arda Guler would replace Toni Kroos and Luka Modric. However, when Carletto was in charge, Real's symbols had not retreated as they are now, so there was no place for Guler. Now, things are different.
Arda Guler currently has the 9th most minutes played in the Real Madrid squad at the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup. Previously, when under Ancelotti, this order was only 17. Part of the reason for this is that the Turkish striker suffered a long-term injury in the early stages of his Los Blancos shirt. Now completely healthy, he has recreated his explosive image in the Turkish shirt at EURO 2024.
Previously, Ancelotti said that Real Madrid's young players had to endure the "packed-up" situation on the bench. Only those who are patient and make great efforts can escape that scene and shine to become superstars. While Endrick seemed unable to do it, Guler proved the opposite.
Since coming on as a reserve in the opening match of the group stage against Al Hilal, Arda Guler has become a key factor for Xabi Alonso. The 20-year-old star scored in Real Madrid's 3-1 win over Pachuca, thereby becoming the youngest player (20 years and 57 days) to score 10 goals for Real Madrid in a season in all competitions, since the 2009-10 season. This achievement surpasses the record set by Vinicius Junior (20 years and 80 days) in 2020.
The trust in Arda Guler has also been emphasized through his speeches to the media. Although he is not yet fluent in Spanish, the young Turkish star has been selected to speak 3 times since the beginning of the tournament.
When asked about the difference between Ancelotti and Alonso, Guler explained: "The coach (Xabi Alonso) is trying to help us control the game more, that is very good. I feel happy to be playing in this position.
Everything is good because I have started all 3 recent matches, everything is quite good. The coach and the whole team are satisfied with me" - Arda Guler shared.
The initial image of Arda Guler for many people was the right striker position. There have been many rumors about Rodrygo leaving the team recently, creating space on the right wing for Arda Guler and many other stars to compete. However, Xabi Alonso does not want the 20-year-old star to play in this position regularly.
In fact, Real Madrid's recent matches show that Guler plays as an organizer midfielder, sometimes a winger. This way of playing not only helps Guler use his strength as the ability to penetrate but also helps him be more free to find a finishing space.
Real Madrid are in the process of cleaning up to create Galaticos 3.0 with Kylian Mbappe as the leader in attack. Along with other big stars like Vinicius Jr or Jude Bellingham, Arda Guler deserves to be the next factor to be named more in the Los Blancos squad.
