Xabi Alonso highly appreciates Arda Güler's performances and attitude. What surprises him most is that, beyond Güler's exceptional ball control skills, his willingness to proactively learn new tactics and actively grasp defensive concepts has also earned Alonso's recognition.
During the Club World Cup, Alonso tested the young Turkish player in an unusual position for Güler: operating as a creative midfielder within a three-center-back formation. For the Turk, this role granted him greater space to perform and organize in midfield. Alonso's intention was clear: to leverage his vision, touch, and ability to receive the ball to exert a tactical impact, while also demanding his involvement in the tactical and defensive aspects of the game.
In any case, Alonso is deeply impressed by Güler's mature mindset in embracing these training demands and intends to continue nurturing him into a core playmaker orchestrating midfield attacks.
Güler is fully preparing for a pivotal season. Under Alonso's guidance, Real Madrid has entered a new era, and this young Turkish talent is destined to be one of the key protagonists of this era. His new role as a creative midfielder has made him a crucial figure in the coach's football blueprint—one that values talent, emphasizes teamwork, and prioritizes tactical arrangements.
If Güler can sustain his outstanding form from the Club World Cup, this season may well be the one where he truly comes to the fore.
