Arda Güler: Struggles to Shine

Arda Güler is considered one of the most promising young talents in modern football, and his exceptional skills have captured attention ever since he began his journey at Real Madrid. Despite achieving impressive statistical figures in certain matches, such as his game against Leganés, the young Turkish player has struggled to live up to the expectations in several instances. In the Leganés match, although he recorded strong stats like high passing accuracy and a solid overall performance, he failed to have a significant impact on the flow of the game.

The question remains: will Arda be able to regain his spark and deliver performances that match his considerable potential? In this article, we examine key moments from his journey at Real Madrid, analyzing his performances and the challenges he faces within the team.

Arda Güler Struggles on the Pitch

Despite having impressive statistics in his game against Leganés, the young Turkish player failed to stand out and had little influence on the game for the white team.

A Challenging First Half for Arda

Arda Güler (19 years old) entered the Butarque pitch looking dejected. In the first half, the talented Turkish midfielder wasn’t having his best night in a white shirt. He started the match in the starting lineup, positioned on the right wing, but gradually adjusted: with Tchouaméni and Modrić in the double pivot, Rodrygo settled on the left wing, where he has been excelling recently. There were two spots available in the three-man midfield system Ancelotti has been working with recently, although he had already tested it multiple times during his second stint as coach. In the second half, Arda Güler was more involved, more active, and seemed eager to impact the game.

Real Madrid’s Dominance and Early Goals

Arda was positioned on the right wing, with Brahim attacking through the center (and as the game progressed, the two switched positions). The first ten minutes of the match saw Madrid start sluggishly, but from that moment until the 25th minute, they dominated the game completely. This dominance led to two early goals: the first by Modrić (Arda created space on the right, allowing Modrić to score after a pass from Rodrygo) and the second by Endrick.

Leganés Capitalizes on Madrid’s Slowdown

After that, Madrid, feeling superior, slowed down, and Leganés took advantage of this. One of the players pointed out for his lack of influence was Arda Güler, who Ancelotti and his coaching staff kept urging to work harder and apply more pressure.

Arda’s Solid Stats Despite Limited Impact

However, according to the statistics for the 76 minutes Arda Güler played before being substituted by Ceballos, the Turkish player didn’t perform poorly: he touched the ball 59 times, completed 93% of his passes (38 out of 41), succeeded in all his dribbles, created two clear chances, completed both long passes he attempted (100% success rate), won all three duels he contested, won every tackle he attempted, was the second player with the most crosses (four), and committed two fouls. Another solid day at the office for the talented player…

Unfulfilled Expectations for Arda

But this time, he couldn’t make an impact. Arda Güler had reclaimed a starting spot in a Copa del Rey match after previously playing against Deportivo Minera in Cartagena, and he hoped to establish himself ahead of the upcoming derby. Considering Ancelotti’s options, who might opt to strengthen the midfield due to the injuries in the center-back positions, there could be room for a fourth player, possibly between Brahim and Arda. But this time, there was nothing to show: although he scored two goals against the Murcian side and assisted Endrick in a match against Celta, the Turkish player seemed to have stagnated.

Arda’s Promise and Progress from Last Season

It’s true that last season, Arda Güler started playing in January 2024 after recovering from two injuries that kept him from starting the season earlier. He made his debut in a Copa del Rey match against Arandina, where he began to showcase his quality, technique, and personality. These qualities improved in the latter part of the competition, with incredible moments like a shot from midfield in Pamplona. This season, he started with renewed energy, was a starter in the first league match at the Bernabéu, but gradually disappeared from the playing time Ancelotti tends to give his players.

Room for Improvement in Defensive Consistency

Arda Güler’s defensive consistency remains a significant challenge, as he has not yet met the high standards set by coach Ancelotti. This area of his game has been a point of concern, especially in a team that requires players to contribute both offensively and defensively. However, Güler is still young and has time to improve in this aspect. With dedicated work and focus on his defensive abilities, he has the potential to become more reliable in all phases of the game. If he addresses these weaknesses, Arda can overcome his current struggles and secure a more prominent role in the team.

Conclusion

Arda Güler journey at Real Madrid has been one of promise and potential, but also of challenges and unfulfilled expectations. Despite showing glimpses of his exceptional talent, particularly in the previous season, he has struggled to maintain consistency, especially in crucial moments. While his impressive statistics highlight his individual qualities, his ability to make a lasting impact on the team remains a work in progress.

With time and continued development, Arda Güler has the opportunity to refine his game, particularly in areas such as defensive consistency, to secure a more regular role in Ancelotti’s plans. The young Turkish midfielder still has the chance to overcome his current setbacks and realize the great potential that everyone sees in him.