As Real Madrid prepares for a high-stakes clash against Juventus in the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup Round of 16, all eyes are turning toward a rising star in the squad — Arda Güler. Dubbed the ‘Turkish Messi’, the 20-year-old midfielder is rapidly emerging as a central figure in Xabi Alonso’s new-look Los Blancos.
After enduring a challenging debut season under Carlo Ancelotti, Güler is now experiencing a resurgence under the guidance of the club’s newly appointed manager. His revival isn’t just timely — it could shape the future of Real Madrid’s midfield, especially as the club prepares for life after Luka Modric.
A New Era Under Xabi Alonso
Arda Güler’s transformation didn’t happen overnight. Under Xabi Alonso’s tactical vision, the young playmaker has finally been granted a consistent role that suits his strengths — something he struggled to find last season.
Alonso’s decision to position Güler closer to the heart of play, in a creative central midfield role, has allowed the Turkish prodigy to thrive. Once seen as a winger or utility attacker, Güler is now being groomed as the natural successor to Luka Modric, Madrid’s legendary midfield maestro.
A Rollercoaster Debut Season
Expectations were high when Güler arrived at the Santiago Bernabéu. He was seen as part of Madrid’s midfield regeneration alongside players like Jude Bellingham and Eduardo Camavinga. Despite a promising first campaign — highlighted by six goals in just 10 La Liga appearances — Güler struggled for playing time during the 2024–2025 season under Ancelotti.
His dazzling goal for Turkey against Georgia at Euro 2024 was a testament to his immense talent, but back at the club level, Güler was sidelined. He failed to earn Ancelotti’s trust in big matches, notably sitting on the bench during Madrid’s painful Champions League exit to Arsenal.
Rumors swirled that he might seek a transfer in search of regular minutes. But the arrival of Alonso changed everything.
Found His Role: The Heir to Modric
One of Güler’s biggest challenges under Ancelotti was the lack of clarity in his role. Constantly shifted between central and wide positions, he was unable to settle. Xabi Alonso swiftly ended the debate.
“I need Arda close to the ball,” Alonso reportedly told the coaching staff. He was then assigned a central role, operating as a number 8 or 10 — a perfect bridge between attack and midfield.
Güler repaid the trust with two outstanding performances in the group stage of the Club World Cup. He scored against Pachuca, then controlled the tempo during Madrid’s win over RB Salzburg, outshining senior names like Modric and Brahim Díaz — both of whom started on the bench.
In a symbolic changing-of-the-guard moment, Modric was substituted in for Güler late in both matches — a subtle nod from Alonso that the torch is being passed.
Endorsement from a Former Mentor
Arda Güler’s talent has never been in question, and no one knows that better than Vítor Pereira, his former coach at Fenerbahçe. Pereira, who gave Güler his senior debut at the age of 16, was among the first to recognize his rare potential.
In a recent interview with Spanish daily Marca, Pereira shared insights into Güler’s mindset, comparing him not to Messi — as often said — but rather to James Rodríguez, whom he coached at Porto.
“He reminds me of James when I had him at 19. Both are naturally gifted with the ball,” Pereira said.
“I always saw Arda as a number eight or ten — he disrupts defenses between the lines.”
Pereira highlighted Güler’s intelligence and hunger to learn as defining traits that could help him flourish at the highest level.
“He reads the game well, sees solutions before receiving the ball, and can shoot from distance or play the final pass. He has all the tools to succeed,” Pereira added.
“And with the right guidance, there’s no doubt he can be a worthy successor to Modric.”
Ready for the Big Stage
With Real Madrid entering a new chapter, and legends like Luka Modric preparing for their eventual exit, Arda Güler stands at the forefront of the club’s future. His combination of vision, technical brilliance, and tactical maturity at just 20 years old makes him one of the most exciting prospects in European football.
As Madrid fans await the crucial showdown against Juventus, they may also be witnessing the rise of the next midfield orchestrator — not just ‘The Turkish Messi’, but perhaps the next great Galáctico in the making.
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