Guler steps out of the shadows

Arda Guler scores points in the eyes of coach Xabi Alonso.

In his first start under Xabi Alonso against Pachuca, the Turkish midfielder made an immediate impact – not just with a goal, but with a quiet declaration: he deserved to be trusted, to play and to be at the heart of a Real Madrid in transformation.

Faces change because of faith

“He needs to be close to the ball. The more touches he has, the better he is,” Xabi Alonso said before the Pachuca game, and it was no empty statement. In a Real Madrid rebuilding team, Alonso has made no secret of his intention to rebuild the midfield with different pieces. And Guler, who languished on the bench under Ancelotti, has suddenly become the centerpiece of an ambitious system.

Tchouameni was assigned the role of a blocker, while Guler - wearing the number 15 shirt - was instructed to "cut through" the opponent's defense: when playing as number 8, he would organize, when playing as number 10, he would create and create breakthroughs between the lines. Above all, Alonso wanted Guler to play football as his instincts dictate - free, bold and unafraid to make mistakes.

The most valuable thing about Real Madrid's 3-1 win over Pachuca in the early morning of June 23 was not the score, but the way Real Madrid played with only 10 men on the field. After the early red card, they did not panic. On the contrary, Guler played with more confidence, more dangerous with the ball. He controlled the tempo, coordinated with Gonzalo and Valverde, stretched the opponent's defense with smart movements and elegant handling.

Arda Guler scored in Real Madrid's 3-1 win over Pachuca.

The goal that made it 2-0 was the culmination of a well-oiled system – starting with Vinicius, through Trent, then Gonzalo, whose gentle touch unlocked Guler’s run into the second line. His low right-footed finish into the far corner was the statement of a player ready to take the lead.

The Silent Revolution

What turned Guler, who was struggling last season, into an explosive cog in the chain in the last match? The answer lies with Xabi Alonso - who is not only a coach, but also a person who understands the value of being trusted. In his tactical scheme, each player has a clear role and is suitable for his own identity. Valverde's shift to the right wing did not weaken him, on the contrary, it helped balance the formation and opened up space for Guler to roam in the middle.

And Guler did not disappoint. Besides the goals, he also brought something that Real Madrid has long lacked: a player with intelligence, inspiration, and the charm of a new conductor.

Of course, one match is not enough to define the whole season, but for Guler, it is the first step on the journey to reclaim the lost position. He used to quietly live in the shadow of Luka Modric, of Toni Kroos, of the great legends. But now, when the old generation is withdrawing and a new era is opening, the Turkish player has the right to hope.

In a tournament where Real Madrid do not hide their ambition to win the championship, Guler's brilliance is a valuable discovery. He not only repaid the trust, but also opened a door - where the Royal team's style of play could start from their own feet.

Arda Guler is smiling again. And so are Real Madrid.

Real Madrid won the first match at the FIFA Club World Cup. In the early morning of June 23, Real defeated Pachuca 3-1 in the second match, Group F of the FIFA Club World Cup 2025™.

Source: https://znews.vn/guler-buoc-ra-tu-bong-toi-post1562954.html