The situation surrounding Arda Guler at Real Madrid remains perplexing for many. Despite being hailed as a national hero in Turkey, the young midfielder struggles to find regular playing time with one of the biggest clubs in the world.
This mismatch has led to a wave of speculation about the reasons behind his limited involvement on the pitch. Some observers believe that Carlo Ancelotti is not managing Guler effectively.
Others argue that the intense competition within the team is hindering the young talent’s ability to break into the starting lineup.
In any way, Guler’s recent performances for the Turkish national team have only intensified the discussion.
Against Montenegro, he played a pivotal role in securing a 1-0 victory for his country. His contributions went beyond just assisting in the win; he nearly scored a brilliant goal that would have capped off his outstanding display.
Knocking on Ancelotti’s doors
Guler’s impressive showing for Turkey highlights the disparity between his national team success and his current predicament at Real Madrid. While he shines on the international stage, he struggles to secure a place in Ancelotti’s squad.
So far this season, the young midfielder has found it difficult to earn substantial minutes, primarily coming on as a substitute in the closing stages of matches.
This situation is particularly frustrating given that Real Madrid have been dealing with a number of injuries this season.
Despite this, though, Guler has managed to clock only 291 minutes across ten appearances in various competitions, including the UEFA Super Cup, La Liga, and the Champions League.
In contrast, his role with the Turkish national team has been markedly different. Guler has become a crucial player for Turkey, demonstrating his ability to lead and contribute significantly during their recent Nations League matches.
In just three games, he has amassed 263 minutes of play, showcasing his readiness to take on more responsibility.
His performance for Turkey reveals a confidence and capability that should ideally translate to his club performances at the Santiago Bernabeu.
Ancelotti really has a big problem
The core challenge facing Ancelotti now is integrating Guler into a team packed with midfield talent.
With established players like Luka Modric, Eduardo Camavinga, Federico Valverde, Aurelien Tchouameni and Jude Bellingham all vying for spots in the midfield, it is no easy task for the young Turkish player to secure a regular place.
The situation is similarly challenging in the attack, where the likes of Endrick have quickly become Ancelotti’s preferred choices to support the forward trio of Rodrygo, Kylian Mbappe, and Vinícius Jr.
Despite these obstacles, Guler’s recent brilliance against Montenegro serves as a reminder that Real Madrid cannot afford to overlook a talent of his calibre.
With the team struggling for consistency and often resorting to frantic efforts to secure wins, Guler’s skills could provide a much-needed boost.
He possesses the potential to change the course of matches, and leaving him on the bench during critical moments could prove detrimental.
Is a transfer on the horizon?
As the winter transfer window approaches, Guler’s situation could become even more pressing.
If Real Madrid continues to overlook him, other clubs may express interest, with teams like Fenerbahce, managed by Jose Mourinho, closely monitoring the young star’s situation.
Guler is ready to take the next step in his career, and it remains to be seen whether Real Madrid will give him the opportunity he deserves or risk losing him to a rival club eager to harness his talents.
The coming months will be crucial for both Guler and Real Madrid, as decisions made now could shape the future of the promising young player.