Arda Güler’s Challenging Adaptation at Real Madrid

Arda Güler’s career has taken a contrasting trajectory between his performances for the Turkish national team and his struggles at Real Madrid. While he has become a rising star in Turkey, his adaptation to the elite demands of Madrid remains a work in progress.

Turkish National Team Breakthrough

Güler’s rise to prominence with Turkey has been marked by key moments, such as his stunning goal against Hungary, which drew widespread media attention. His performances have elevated his status, positioning him as a cornerstone of the national team’s future.

Real Madrid Difficulties

In contrast, his time at Real Madrid has been far from smooth. Despite his immense talent, Arda Güler’s has struggled to secure consistent minutes, often labeled as a “residual” player. The limited game time, coupled with the weight of high expectations, has made his adaptation challenging. The Santiago Bernabéu crowd, known for its high standards, has already shown signs of impatience, with occasional whistles reflecting concerns over his impact.

Key Performance Evaluations

Copa del Rey vs. Leganés (Butarque)

Güler started this match as a right winger, displaying early energy and determination. However, as the game progressed, his influence waned, and signs of discomfort within the tactical system became evident. This performance highlighted a critical point in his developmental trajectory.

Copa del Rey vs. Real Sociedad

This match proved to be underwhelming, as Arda Güler’s struggled to make a significant impact. His presence on the pitch was described as “passing by unnoticed,” raising concerns about his ability to impose himself in high-stakes encounters.

La Liga vs. Leganés (Return Match)

Güler showed glimpses of his potential in this fixture:

Positive Contributions:

• Won a crucial penalty
• 100% success rate in duels
• Created scoring opportunities
• High passing accuracy

Negative Aspects:

• Struggled to integrate with teammates
• Seemed disconnected from the team’s overall play

While his individual talent shone through at times, his struggles in adapting to Madrid’s playing style remain a concern.

Playing Time Analysis

Significant Exclusions

Güler’s lack of playing time has been a major hindrance to his growth. He has been absent from eight key fixtures and received no minutes in critical La Liga matches against Atlético Madrid, Osasuna, Girona, and Rayo Vallecano.

Even more telling is his complete exclusion from the Champions League squad in crucial ties against Manchester City and Atlético Madrid. Such omissions raise questions about Ancelotti’s trust in his readiness for top-level competition.

Developmental Impact

The inconsistency in playing time has affected Güler’s rhythm and confidence. Without regular minutes, it becomes difficult for a young player to build match sharpness, establish chemistry with teammates, and develop the resilience needed to thrive at Real Madrid.

Ancelotti’s Management Approach

Selection Rationale

Ancelotti has granted Arda Güler’s opportunities primarily due to the absence of senior players. His starting role against Leganés, for example, was largely influenced by the late return of key squad members.

Public Communication Strategy

The Italian coach has emphasized patience in Arda Güler’s development, drawing parallels to the adaptation periods of Rodrygo, Vinícius, and Valverde. Ancelotti recognizes that transitioning from a promising young talent to a consistent performer at Madrid takes time.

Performance Expectations

The club expects Arda Güler’s to demonstrate not just technical ability, but also resilience, work ethic, and a willingness to improve. There are concerns about potential miscommunication regarding his development timeline, as fans and media in Turkey may expect a quicker rise than what Madrid’s structure allows.

Technical Assessment

Güler’s ball control and vision are widely acknowledged, but Ancelotti remains cautious about his immediate impact. Compared to Madrid’s other attacking options, he is perceived as less “unbalancing,” which influences substitution decisions in high-intensity matches.

Future Outlook

Required Improvements

For Arda Güler’s to secure a place in Madrid’s rotation, significant progress is needed. With the season entering a decisive phase, he must prove that his contributions extend beyond technical skills and translate into tangible match-winning performances.

Adapting to Madrid’s Elite Standards

Balancing his growing stardom in Turkey with the rigorous expectations of Real Madrid is a challenge. The road ahead requires patience, but also clear and measurable development. To succeed, Arda Güler’s must not only refine his tactical understanding but also display the mental strength necessary to thrive in one of football’s most demanding environments.

His journey is far from over, but whether he emerges as a Madrid success story will depend on his ability to seize the limited opportunities that come his way.