(foto: Uradni FB/TW/IG profil igralca)
Arda Güler’s impact at Real Madrid is fading as he struggles for minutes in a squad filled with competition. Marca questions whether he can fulfill expectations as Modrić's heir.
In the summer of last year, Arda Güler joined Real Madrid in a transfer officially valued at 20 million euros. He was immediately labeled as a player who would play a significant role in the future, as a playmaker destined to succeed Luka Modrić. Today, the Turkish midfielder is far from meeting such expectations.
Last year, Arda's grandfather confirmed to Turkish media outlet Demirören Haber Ajansı that his grandson had already been in contact with Modrić, adding: "Modrić called my grandson and said he would retire in a year and leave him the number ten at Real." However, Modrić hasn’t retired, and this season, he's playing even more than last year, while Güler isn’t getting a real chance.
His situation at Real Madrid was analyzed by Marca, which noted that the young midfielder chose to stay at the club despite several teams showing interest in him during the summer transfer window. One of those teams was his former club Fenerbahçe. Coach Jose Mourinho personally called Madrid to arrange a loan move, but the deal didn’t go through.
It was expected, and Real’s coach Carlo Ancelotti even said, that Güler would have a bigger role, especially after shining at the end of last season with five goals in five games. However, this season he has only played 257 minutes over eight matches.
"He has lost the magic Ancelotti spoke about last season. Every ball he touched seemed to turn into a goal. It’s clear that such a level of play is hard to maintain, but this season, he’s still without a goal or an assist," writes Marca.
The article goes on to say, "Both the club and the coach know it’s too early for conclusions, and there’s still time for Güler to rediscover his magic. The question is, which position should he show it in?"
It also highlights that his impact is fading and points to the attacking arsenal Real has in Endrick, Kylian Mbappe, Vinicius Junior, and Rodrygo, while also mentioning the crowded midfield, where Modrić has already made 10 appearances this season.