As Xabi Alonso prepares to make his highly anticipated managerial debut in the Real Madrid dugout, reports suggest the Spaniard has clear plans for 20-year-old Arda Güler, with a deeper midfield role envisioned for the Turkish prodigy, potentially as early as the FIFA Club World Cup.
This strategic shift could be a significant boost for Güler, as Alonso’s tactical philosophy is believed to align more closely with the young midfielder’s strengths.
Last season, Güler’s debut campaign was marked by inconsistency in minutes and starts under Carlo Ancelotti, hindering his development.
He primarily featured on the right wing (25 appearances) and as an attacking midfielder (12 appearances).
The reported interest in River Plate’s Franco Mastantuono, another left-footed attacker who typically operates from the right flank, could further complicate Güler’s natural position, thus necessitating Alonso’s strategic adjustment.
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According to AS, Alonso’s plan involves leveraging Güler’s exceptional playmaking ability by deploying him as a deep-lying playmaker, a role reminiscent of Luka Modrić, who is set to depart Real Madrid after the Club World Cup.
While Güler may still be developing his defensive attributes, this new position would allow him to be more consistently involved in orchestrating attacks from a deeper area.
Depending on Alonso’s preferred midfield setup and how he plans to utilize Jude Bellingham, Güler could potentially slot in opposite the England international, with more defensively minded players like Aurélien Tchouaméni or Eduardo Camavinga sitting deeper.
This tactical foresight from Alonso appears aimed at maximizing Güler’s potential while avoiding the pitfalls that reportedly plagued Real Madrid’s attack last season.
The arrival of Kylian Mbappé seemingly caused tactical imbalances, with players sometimes occupying similar spaces, leading to a less fluid offensive unit.
This was exemplified by Ancelotti’s controversial decision to start Bellingham as a left midfielder in a 4-4-2 against Arsenal in the Champions League quarterfinals, a move that reportedly stifled the English player’s impact due to increased defensive duties.
Despite Mbappé’s individual goal-scoring exploits, Real Madrid ended the season without a major trophy, a factor in Florentino Perez’s decision regarding Ancelotti’s future.
For Alonso, embarking on an important season at the helm of Real Madrid, avoiding such tactical missteps will be paramount.
Getting the most out of his current squad, even if it requires tough decisions regarding player roles, will be key to success.
For Arda Güler, this presents a significant opportunity to impress his new manager and potentially secure a consistent starting role at one of the world’s most legendary clubs.
