Real Madrid’s young talent, Arda Güler, has been a topic of debate within the club due to concerns about his defensive work rate and training attitude. While his offensive skills are widely recognized, head coach Carlo Ancelotti has expressed doubts about his defensive contributions during training. Internal sources suggest that Ancelotti expects greater intensity from the Turkish midfielder in defensive drills and has directly conveyed these expectations to him.
Güler’s time at Real Madrid has been a mix of promise and challenges. Following an impressive Euro 2024 campaign, where he played a key role in Turkey’s run to the quarterfinals, he cut his vacation short to join Real Madrid’s pre-season training, showing his dedication. However, his transition has not been smooth. Initially played as a central midfielder, he struggled with defensive responsibilities and positional awareness, prompting a reevaluation of his role.
To address these issues, Ancelotti has experimented with Güler on the right wing, a move that has highlighted his creativity and attacking abilities. While this adjustment has been positive, his playing time remains limited, averaging just fifteen minutes per match since the Supercopa de Europa.
The situation has drawn attention from football analysts and former players. Turkish experts, including Nihat Kahveci and Tayfun Korkut, have raised concerns about his lack of regular minutes, stressing the importance of consistent game time for his development and potential.
As Real Madrid navigates a challenging season, the club must find a balance between integrating Güler into the squad and maintaining overall team cohesion. The next few months will be pivotal in determining whether he can adapt to the demands of elite football and live up to his reputation as a “generational talent.”
