Arda Guler's Early Spring

MADRID, MONDAY - Arda Guler has found a glimmer of light in the dim journey of his career at Real Madrid. After struggling to secure a starting position since arriving last season, Guler is gradually beginning to showcase his quality. He shone once again by being the star of the 3-2 victory over Celta Vigo. All of this is just the beginning of Guler's spring season. The prospect of Xabi Alonso arriving as the new coach further strengthens his position.

It is still fresh in memory how Dominik Szoboszlai insulted Guler through comments on social media. The feud between the two occurred after Turkey's victory over Hungary in the UEFA Nations League last month. Szoboszlai, representing the Hungarian national team, was offended by Guler's gesture telling him to be quiet. Following that, Szoboszlai mocked Guler by posting the number 1.088 on social media.

The figure refers to Guler's playing minutes this season at Real. At that time, Guler was indeed reported to be uncomfortable with the lack of playing opportunities. With the presence of Rodrygo and Brahim Diaz in the right-wing position, Guler did not have many chances to prove his abilities.

An opportunity arose for him ahead of the Copa del Rey final against Barcelona. Real, who needed to sweep the remaining matches of La Liga, fielded Guler when facing Getafe. Guler was given the chance because Real's coach, Carlo Ancelotti, needed to rest key players to ensure they were fit for the final against Barca.

Unexpectedly, Guler, who was trusted to play from the start, was able to deliver a maximum performance. He became the decisive factor in Real's victory thanks to his solitary goal. From there, Guler gradually began to gain trust. In the final of the Spanish King's Cup, the 20-year-old midfielder came on as a substitute and contributed one assist.

Thanks to his impressive performance against Getafe and Barcelona, Guler is starting to earn his place. He played a role in Real's 3-2 victory over Celta Vigo at the Santiago Bernabeu Stadium in Madrid on Sunday (4/5/2025). Guler broke the deadlock for Real with his goal in the 33rd minute. Not stopping there, Guler also provided an assist for Real's third goal scored by Kylian Mbappe.

This victory allows Real to continue trailing Barca at the top of the temporary standings. Meanwhile, for Guler, this is the second time he has helped the team break the deadlock after previously doing so in the match against Getafe.

"The development of Guler is a natural thing for a player who wants to play for Madrid, possesses many qualities, has worked hard, and has not lost his confidence. It is clear that Guler from September is not the Guler of today. He has changed significantly. His physical profile has also changed. He is much stronger and still possesses the same qualities. This is a fairly normal and reasonable development for a young player at Real Madrid," Ancelotti stated after the match.

Guler has collected five goals and nine assists in 38 matches across all competitions. In addition to being skilled at delivering key passes, Guler possesses another advantage: accurate long-range shooting. This ability is also shared by Federico Valverde, who often scores from long distances. With Guler's presence, Real now has two players who can be relied upon in deadlock situations.

Guler's impressive performance in three consecutive matches leading up to the end of the season is likely an early sign of his spring season. Next season will mark Guler's third year at Real. He is expected to play a more central role compared to the first two seasons. Moreover, Ancelotti's tenure with Real is predicted not to continue into the next season. Throughout this time, Ancelotti has seemed to trust senior players more than promoting potential players for the future.

Xabi Alonso has emerged as a strong candidate to replace Ancelotti. Alonso, who is currently managing Bayer Leverkusen, has shown interest in the talent of Guler. The news regarding Alonso's interest in Guler was first reported by the Spanish sports media, Diario AS.

"Xabi Alonso was interested in loaning the Turkish player to Bayer Leverkusen last season and had full confidence in his talent. Guler is seen as a creative player and fits well with Alonso's playing system," wrote Diario AS.

At a very young age, Guler offers explosiveness and a quick recovery time for Real, which is often troubled by a busy schedule each season. He will certainly be the happiest player with the news of Alonso's arrival. (REUTERS)