Arda Güler: A Struggling Talent in Need of Revival

Arda Güler finds himself at a challenging crossroads this season. After an encouraging start, the young Turkish midfielder has struggled to maintain the offensive impact that initially marked his performances. His recent repositioning to a deeper role has not aided his cause, as evidenced by his lackluster display against Sevilla. Operating further away from the attacking zones has limited his involvement in dangerous situations, diminishing his synergy with star forward Kylian Mbappé.

In the match against Sevilla, Güler’s influence on the game was notably absent. With fewer touches in critical areas, he appeared disconnected from the flow of play. This shift in positioning has also led to visible issues with his placement on the field, prompting coach Xabi Alonso to frequently intervene during matches to recalibrate his positioning. Despite these struggles, there remains a strong belief within the club about Güler’s potential; many are confident he will eventually adapt and thrive in this demanding environment.

Tactical Adjustments and Team Dynamics

Güler’s recent performances highlight the complexities of adapting to a new tactical role while being part of a team that is not firing on all cylinders. The pressing from Real Madrid often arrives too late, allowing opponents to easily transition out of defensive situations. This has made it increasingly difficult for Güler to assert himself in the game. By dropping deeper to contribute to build-up play, he has sacrificed his natural ability to make quick and impactful decisions near the opponent’s goal—a skill that initially set him apart as a player.

The Road Ahead for Güler

As the 2024-2025 season progresses, the future remains uncertain for Güler. Once the winter break concludes, Alonso is expected to continue relying on him, albeit with caution regarding pairing him with Jude Bellingham—an arrangement that may not yield optimal results. The Basque coach faces the challenge of unlocking Güler’s full potential while navigating through a period of collective underperformance within the squad. The question remains: can Güler rediscover his rhythm and become a pivotal figure for Real Madrid once more?

With plenty of matches still left in this season, fans and analysts alike will be watching closely to see if Arda Güler can reclaim his form and help steer Real Madrid back towards their winning ways. His development is crucial not just for his career but also for the team’s ambitions moving forward.