In its La Liga-opening 1-0 victory against Osasuna on Tuesday, Real Madrid provided a look into its future with new manager Xabi Alonso at the helm. And this season, Real Madrid is expected to lean on the services of 20-year old Turkish midfielder Arda Guler in part to help fill the void left by Luka Modric’s departure to AC Milan.
Now, Modric and Guler are different midfielders who offer separate skill sets, and they’re certainly at vastly different stages of their career– Modric a 39-year old former Ballon d’Or winner in his own right– but the two could serve a similar purpose as Guler finds his footing under Alonso.
After Real Madrid’s win over Osasuna, Alonso spoke to the press contingent and offered his thoughts on the club’s performance en route to gaining three points on the season. More specifically, Alonso shined a light on Guler and touched on the type of play that he will expect from the young Turkiye international throughout the 2025-26 campaign.
“Since we’ve been here, Arda Guler has taken steps forward,” Alonso told the press. “Not only in terms of his quality, which was already evident, but also in terms of the way he understands the position: the way he provides stability, the way he controls and the way he hooks in. In the first half, he allowed us to keep attacking. We have to keep pushing him and investing minutes in him so that he becomes an important player. He’s getting there, and I’m pleased for him.”
For Guler, the knack for flair and ability to create goal-scoring opportunities has long been a trademark of his game, but his capacity to dictate the flow of the game is an area that Alonso noted could be improved.
READ MORE: Xabi Alonso highlights competition between Alexander-Arnold and Carvajal
Last season, Guler logged three goals and four assists, though he only started in 14 La Liga fixtures in Carlo Ancelotti’s side. This season, however, Guler is due for an uptick in minutes with Alonso in charge, which was evidenced in the season opener as Guler saw the pitch for 89 minutes before being substituted in the waning moments of the game.
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