Barcelona, beware of Guler!

Arda Guler is highly likely to start when Real Madrid face Barcelona.

Montjuïc today could witness what all of Madrid has been waiting for for almost two years. Arda Güler – the "Turkish diamond" – could finally appear in the starting lineup for an El Clásico. Not an ordinary match, not against an unknown opponent, but against Barcelona – their arch-rival – on their home ground.

Let's put aside the flashy numbers for a moment. This is a story of patience and resilience, about how a boy who once trembled beside President Florentino Perez on the day of his contract signing now has the confidence to replace Rodrygo Goes in the most important match of La Liga.

From shadow to glory

20 starts in a total of 114 matches. The numbers speak for themselves, revealing a harsh truth: Arda Güler spent most of the last 674 days on the bench, watching other stars shine at the Bernabeu.

In his first season, he played 440 minutes – a number that even an unknown young player would find hard to accept. He started 5 games, and most of them were just "for show," when La Liga was already decided. Real Madrid didn't put their faith in him, and it seemed nobody cared.

But that was the Güler of the past. "The Güler of September is not the Güler of today," Ancelotti admitted with a relieved smile. "He still has the quality, but his physical condition has changed."

Guler is a different person now.

“Carletto” knows what he’s talking about. Seven starts since February – an incredible burst of form. And not just quantity, but quality. Celta Vigo were the latest victims: 4 shots, 62 passes, 5 crosses – all with an unbelievable 100% accuracy.

Güler is no longer the shy Turkish boy he once was. He has become a chance-creating machine, a threat from set pieces, and the heart of the attack. Two goals, two assists in the last three games – the numbers are undeniable.

While Rodrygo's form declined...

23 matches, 1 goal, 3 assists. The harsh reality is weighing heavily on Rodrygo's shoulders. The Brazilian player, once the pride of Real Madrid, is experiencing the worst form crisis of his career.

Ancelotti – a master of psychology – is extraordinarily patient. But patience has its limits. El Clásico is not a place to test loyalty. Real Madrid needs to win, and Güler deserves a chance.

"The club's history has shown that many starters have ended up on the bench: Vinicius, Valverde... If you want to stay at Real Madrid, being on the bench is normal," Ancelotti shared.

Guler has been in great form recently.

Ancelotti witnessed Vinicius – from a clumsy, ridiculed boy – rise to become a world-class star. He saw Valverde – from an unknown player from Peñarol – become the tireless engine of Madrid's midfield.

And now, it's Güler's turn. The next on a long list of stars forged on the Real Madrid bench.

Montjuïc today, Club World Cup tomorrow. Güler isn't just fighting for a place in El Clásico – he's betting his future at Real Madrid.

Shining in the US, on the global stage of the FIFA Club World Cup, could be a fateful turning point in the career of the young Turkish midfielder. It's an opportunity for him to prove that he's not a random discovery, not a fleeting star, but a genuine talent.

"Güler and the other 10 players" - that's how the Madrid press described today's starting lineup. No more "Vini and the others," no more "Bellingham show." This is Güler's moment, his chance to prove himself as the missing piece in the next legendary attacking trio of "Los Blancos."

Montjuïc is waiting. Barcelona is waiting. And most importantly, Madrid is waiting.

674 days, 114 matches, and countless hours on the bench. All leading to this moment. The moment Arda Güler can transform himself from a forgotten figure into Madrid's new hero. "From Zero to Hero" - the journey has only just begun.