Arda Guler’s Rising Star at Real Madrid Under Xabi Alonso

Since Xabi Alonso’s appointment as the head coach of Real Madrid at the end of May, the future has looked promising for Arda Guler. After spending a significant portion of the 2024-25 season outside the starting lineup under former manager Carlo Ancelotti, Guler was entrusted with a pivotal role in the midfield during the Club World Cup, which marked Alonso’s debut in charge. The talented left-footed midfielder excelled in this new position, operating deeper in central midfield rather than on the right wing.

As the 2025-26 season commenced, Guler’s stature within the team has only grown. He has secured a crucial place in the midfield and has become an integral part of Alonso’s strategy, even amidst competition from established talents like Jude Bellingham, Federico Valverde, Aurelien Tchouameni, and Eduardo Camavinga. Guler was honored with La Liga’s Under-23 Player of the Month award in September and has participated in all 16 matches this season, starting in 14 of them.

Real Madrid is currently facing a shortage of experienced midfielders, particularly following Toni Kroos’s retirement in 2024 and Luka Modric’s departure to AC Milan as a free agent earlier this year. Nevertheless, Kroos has expressed his pleasure at seeing Guler receive more playing time this season.

“I’m happy that he’s getting significantly more playing time this year for the first time, because he deserves it based on his footballing ability, and he’s a lad we can count on in the future,” the former German international mentioned in an interview with Sport1.

However, Kroos is cautious about drawing comparisons between himself and Guler, emphasizing that the latter is more effective in a more advanced role on the field. “But I don’t believe in comparisons. Arda is also a different type of player than me. His best position is much more attacking than mine, so it’s not about me succeeding him at all. But I’m generally pleased because he’s a good lad. I’ve played alongside him. He has a really delicate touch, which he’s already used very effectively for Real this season. That’s why I hope he continues to get consistent playing time, because that’s the only way to improve. Then I’m sure he can make his mark at Real for many years to come.”

Following a 1-0 victory over Juventus in the Champions League last month, Alonso praised Guler, indicating his commitment to nurturing the 20-year-old’s development despite areas for growth.

“Arda is in the process of improving everything,” Alonso stated. “He’s 20 years old and has already played several games for Madrid. With his age and quality, we have to support him. He needs to improve his decision-making and pressing, but he possesses many admirable qualities. He enhances our team dynamics when he is involved. His role may vary depending on the game’s context, but I am very pleased with his progress. We are eager for more. He truly enjoys playing football, whether it’s making key passes or taking free kicks… Wirtz was like that at Leverkusen. He’s young, but a fantastic player. He’s developing at a high level.”

Guler has demonstrated remarkable potential since transitioning to a deeper role on the field. His on-field collaboration with Kylian Mbappe has drawn comparisons to the chemistry previously exhibited between Mesut Ozil and Cristiano Ronaldo during their tenure at the club.

“I appreciate the comparisons between Cristiano Ronaldo and Mesut Ozil and Kylian Mbappe and Arda Guler,” he remarked recently. “They have achieved great things, but significant success is always a team effort, never just two players.”

Mbappe has been in outstanding form this season, netting 18 goals across all competitions. Out of these, 12 are non-penalty goals, with Guler assisting six. On the days they connect seamlessly, Madrid has been a joy to watch. It is evident that this duo will be vital to Madrid’s pursuit of major trophies as the season progresses.