Flag in the hands of 'Turkish Messi'

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

Montjuïc could witness today what the whole of Madrid has been waiting for for almost two years. Arda Güler - the "Turkish diamond" - could finally appear in the starting lineup of an El Clásico. Not a trivial match, not an unknown opponent, but Barcelona - their eternal enemy, on their own home ground.

Put the flashy numbers aside. This is a story of patience and character, of how a boy who stood trembling beside President Florentino Perez on the day he signed his contract, now has the confidence to replace Rodrygo Goes in the most important match in La Liga.

From shadow to glory

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

First season, 440 minutes of playing time - a number that even an unknown young player would find hard to accept. 5 starts, and most of them were "for show" matches, when La Liga was already decided. Real Madrid did not trust him, and it seemed that no one 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 physique has changed."

Guler is different now.

“Carletto” knows what he’s talking about. 7 starts since February - an incredible explosion. 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 has become a chance-creating machine, a set-piece threat, and the soul of attacks. Two goals, two assists in the last three games - the numbers are undeniable.

While Rodrygo is in decline...

23 games, 1 goal. 3 assists. The cruel reality is weighing heavily on Rodrygo's shoulders. The Brazilian, once the pride of Real Madrid, is going through the worst form crisis of his career.

Ancelotti, the master of psychology, is incredibly patient. But patience has its limits. El Clásico is not a test of loyalty. Real Madrid need to win, and Güler deserves his chance.

"The history of this club has shown that many starting players have had to sit on the bench: Vinicius, Valverde... If you want to stay at Real Madrid, sitting on the bench is normal," Ancelotti shared.

Guler is in good form recently.

Ancelotti saw Vinicius - from a clumsy, ridiculed boy - 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 in a long line of stars to have been "tempered" on the bench at Real Madrid.

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

Shining in the United States, on the global stage of the FIFA Club World Cup, could be the defining moment in the young Turkish midfielder’s career. It’s a chance for him to prove that he’s not a random find, not a flash in the pan, but a genuine talent.

"Güler and the other 10" - 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 establish 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 games, and countless hours on the bench. It all led to this moment. The moment Arda Güler could transform himself from forgotten man to Madrid's new hero. "From Zero to Hero" - the journey has only just begun.

Source: https://znews.vn/co-den-tay-messi-tho-nhi-ky-post1552515.html