Arda Guler’s woes at Real Madrid this season have been well-documented. Despite being regarded as one of the finest young talents in Europe, the attacker has struggled to gain prominence in a star-packed Real Madrid team.
Although Los Blancos have struggled with injuries throughout the season, coach Carlo Ancelotti has appeared quite apprehensive in utilising his qualities, citing his lack of defensive contributions.
Guler unlikely to be used against Dortmund or Barcelona
The situation is unlikely to improve for Guler in Real Madrid’s upcoming high-profile clashes against Borussia Dortmund in the Champions League and Barcelona in La Liga, reports Diario SPORT.
Despite the team’s injury concerns, Ancelotti’s conservative approach favours more experienced players, and Guler’s limited defensive contributions seem to be a sticking point for the Italian coach.
With crucial points at stake in both competitions, Ancelotti will likely rely on his more seasoned players, prioritizing defensive stability over creativity and flair.
Guler’s versatility, which allows him to play in various attacking positions, including as a false nine, has not been enough to earn him a spot in the starting lineup or substantial minutes off the bench.
Guler’s struggles at Real Madrid
In the last five official matches, Guler has been restricted to just 44 minutes of playing time, featuring briefly against Alaves, Villarreal, and Lille, while being left out entirely in key encounters against Atletico Madrid and Celta Vigo.
This limited role contrasts sharply with his status as a star for the Turkish national team, where he started both UEFA Nations League games and is hailed as a rising idol in his home country.
Guler’s struggles have naturally led to speculation over his future at Santiago Bernabeu, though the player is not thinking about an exit just yet.