Arda Guler Shines as Real Madrid’s Future Midfield Star

Arda Guler continues to impress football fans and experts alike as he cements his place as one of Real Madrid’s most promising young talents. The Turkish midfielder’s rise to prominence this season under the guidance of Xabi Alonso has drawn praise from former Los Blancos legend Toni Kroos, who believes Guler can be a key figure at the club for years to come.

Arda Guler: Real Madrid’s Midfield Hope

Arda Guler’s journey at Real Madrid has gained momentum since Xabi Alonso took charge in May. Last season, Guler struggled for minutes under Carlo Ancelotti, but Alonso’s arrival marked a turning point. At the Club World Cup, Guler was deployed in a deeper central midfield role, showcasing his adaptability and technical prowess well beyond his years.

As the 2025-26 campaign progresses, the Turkish international has become a mainstay in Alonso’s lineup, starting in 14 of Madrid’s first 16 matches. Guler’s consistent performances earned him La Liga’s Under-23 Player of the Month award in September—a testament to his increasing influence among established stars like Jude Bellingham, Federico Valverde, Aurelien Tchouameni, and Eduardo Camavinga.

Toni Kroos Backs Arda Guler for Long-Term Success

Toni Kroos, who retired from professional football in 2024, recently expressed his optimism about Guler’s future at the Bernabeu. While Kroos does not see Guler as a direct successor to his own role, he admires the 20-year-old’s unique qualities.

“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,” Kroos told Sport1. He emphasized that Guler’s best position is more advanced than his own, praising his “delicate touch” and ability to influence matches in the final third. Kroos’s belief is clear: with regular minutes and continued development, Guler is poised to leave a lasting legacy at Real Madrid.

Manager Xabi Alonso’s Faith in Guler

After Real Madrid’s recent 1-0 Champions League win over Juventus, Alonso reaffirmed his commitment to developing Guler’s talents. “Arda is in the process of improving everything. He’s 20 years old and has already played a few games for Madrid. With his age and quality, we have to support him. He needs to improve his decision-making and pressing, but he has a lot of good qualities,” Alonso remarked.

The coach also highlighted Guler’s impact on the team’s dynamics and his natural joy for playing football—a trait Alonso believes is essential for any future club leader.

Arda Guler and Kylian Mbappe: Madrid’s Dynamic Duo

This season has seen Arda Guler form a formidable partnership with Kylian Mbappe, drawing comparisons to the Mesut Ozil–Cristiano Ronaldo tandem of years past. Guler’s vision and passing have unlocked defenses, with six of Mbappe’s 18 goals this season coming from Guler assists. Their on-field chemistry has become a crucial asset for Madrid’s attacking play, making them a duo every opponent must watch closely.

The Turkish international’s ability to operate in deeper midfield roles has added an extra layer to Madrid’s tactics, allowing Mbappe to exploit spaces and finish with lethal efficiency. As the season unfolds, their partnership looks set to play a key role in Madrid’s pursuit of domestic and European silverware.

Arda Guler’s Role Amidst a Transitioning Midfield

With Kroos retired and Luka Modric moving to AC Milan, Real Madrid’s midfield is undergoing a significant transition. Guler’s rapid development provides much-needed stability and creativity in a squad brimming with potential yet searching for its next leaders. His calmness under pressure, technical skill, and tactical intelligence have made him an indispensable part of Alonso’s plans.

What’s Next for Arda Guler and Real Madrid?

As Real Madrid target glory in La Liga and on the European stage, Guler’s continued growth will be instrumental. With veteran players like Kroos and Modric leaving, the spotlight is on the younger generation to step up—and Guler is leading by example.

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Opinion: Guler’s Journey is Just Beginning

Arda Guler’s emergence as a midfield star for Real Madrid is a testament to both his immense talent and the faith shown by Xabi Alonso. It’s rare for a young player to command such responsibility at a club of Madrid’s stature, but Guler has embraced the challenge. If he continues on this trajectory, the Turkish star could very well become one of the defining players of his generation.