It happened again. Arda Güler has once again excelled in his role with the Turkish national team and the debate is on. Should he get more playing time at Real Madrid?
The issue was discussed on the La Tribu program on Radio Marca. There, Raúl Varela said: "Davide Ancelotti wants Güler to be a starter and Carlo Ancelotti disagrees."
"They Don't Know What He Plays as"
And Javier Tintó added: "That debate is taking place within Real Madrid's coaching staff. The problem is that they don't know where to place him, they don't know what he plays as. In the two games he was a starter, he didn't have that spark."
The debate has reached the coaching staff itself. Carlo Ancelotti and his assistant, Davide, disagree. Carlo is not sure about his starting lineup, but his son would put him in the starting lineup.
Arda Güler has only started eight out of 43 games in which he was fit to play. They are very few games for a player who was sold as a world phenomenon upon his arrival.
During his first season at Real Madrid he played very little. During the second one, less. But in Türkiye he continues to make headlines with his playing.
The subject is a recurring one and Ancelotti has been asked about it in various press conferences. Why is Arda Güler not playing? "I don't have to give him any explanations," Ancelotti recently replied.
Why isn't Arda Güler Playing?
Güler's constant presence on the Real Madrid bench is not a whim from Ancelotti. He isn't convinced by the way he defends when Real Madrid doesn't have the ball.
Ancelotti doesn't question the player's quality. In fact, it was he who finally convinced him to sign for Real Madrid.
But the coach must look after the balance of the team above individualities. And he believes that with Arda Güler, along with Vinícius and Mbappé, Real Madrid would have three players with a defensive deficit.
Last year Vinícius was the only one who was exempt from defensive duties. This year there are two: Vinícius and Mbappé; and the team, without Kroos, is exposed and appears more vulnerable.
Ancelotti believes it would be crazy to line up Güler alongside Vinícius and Mbappé. He reserves him for whenever they are not on the field.
A Defensive Deficit
The Italian coach believes that having players like Vinícius and Mbappé up front is just as important as having players like Tchouaméni and Camavinga at the back. It's all about finding balance.
He believes that Güler's entry into the starting eleven would upset the harmony of Real Madrid's game if he doesn't defend as told. Güler is not a good defender.
Ancelotti also has doubts about his ideal position on the field. He isn't seen in the center of the field unless he is defending. As an offensive midfielder, Bellingham and Brahim block his path.