Amid the hustle and bustle of the Club World Cup in the United States, a name has emerged that, until recently, seemed forgotten: Arda Güler. The young Turk, signed for €24 million, has gone from being a silenced prospect to a decisive footballer. In a matter of days, he has transformed his role at Real Madrid.
He got minutes against Al-Hilal and started against Pachuca, where he also scored. Güler didn't just play: he commanded. He did so in a new context, under new leadership, and with renewed confidence.
Xabi Alonso, key in his awakening
Xabi Alonso's arrival on Madrid's bench has been decisive. The Basque coach has seen something in Güler that others failed to notice. A couple of conversations were enough for the Turk to understand what was expected of him.
"If I play as a '6' or an '8', I have to go deep and control the game; if I play as a '10', I must create between the lines," Güler explained. Tactical clarity and emotional confidence. Xabi didn't just give him instructions, he gave him importance.
"He talks to me a lot, he asks for short passes, to control the tempo. He sees me as a midfielder and that benefits me," the player added.
An organizer with an attacking soul
Güler has been repositioned as an attacking pivot during the build-up phase. From there, he organizes, connects, and also threatens. He has Modric's composure and the vision of a player who understands the game like few others.
In the two matches played, he is the midfielder with the highest pass accuracy percentage. In addition, he is the attacking player who plays forward the most. He isn't a flat passer: he looks to break lines and get closer to scoring.
Xabi has released him through the center, where he is most dangerous. Güler, quietly, is starting to stake his claim.
A discreet yet ambitious profile
He doesn't have flashy tattoos, he doesn't make extravagant gestures. He doesn't lead by shouting. Güler leads through passing, through control, through reading the game; his profile is low, but his ceiling is high.
The arrival of young Mastantuono doesn't worry him. The Argentine still has a path to travel that Güler has already begun to master. The Turk plays inside, in a more cerebral and less explosive role.
The Güler era has begun
It's still early to crown him, but his impact is already being felt. The next match against Salzburg will be a new test, but if he has shown anything, it's that with minutes and confidence, he delivers.
Neither Tchouaméni nor Camavinga are taking the lead in this tournament. Today, the one in charge is the €24 million kid, and he's doing it with soccer, not with noise. Xabi has already made it clear: "He's the best."