Real Madrid

Arda Güler set for key role in Real Madrid’s long-term project after breakout display

Midfield responsibilities continue to evolve for Güler after a standout European performance that turned heads in Munich.

JESUS ALVAREZ ORIHUELA

Mario de la Riva Roddy Cons

Update: Apr 20th, 2026 11:52 EDT

Two shots from outside the penalty area, two goals, and one statement performance. Real Madrid’s hopes of turning their Champions League tie around against Bayern Munich leaned heavily on Arda Güler, who delivered when it mattered most. The Turkish midfielder struck twice from distance, putting Madrid ahead on two separate occasions in a high-stakes night in Germany.

One goal came from instinct, the other from pure skill. Together, they kept Madrid alive in a matchup built for the game’s biggest stages. At just 21 years old, and the youngest starter in the lineup at Allianz Arena, Güler became only the 18th player in club history to score a brace in an away European Cup/Champions League match.

For a player once criticized for fading in big games, this was his answer.

🗣️ Arbeloa : “Arda Güler? It's been a very intense three months. We've developed a great relationship. When I arrived here, there was talk that he wasn't capable of playing in important matches, and look at how he played against Bayern and City. I've always seen his talent, his… pic.twitter.com/5LRfvTPVW5
— Madrid Xtra (@MadridXtra) April 20, 2026

A night that showcased instinct and execution

Güler’s first goal came after a costly mistake from Bayern goalkeeper Manuel Neuer, and he made no mistake punishing it. The second highlighted his growing confidence, as he continued to show a rare ability to recognize and finish chances from improbable positions.

That ability has been building for months. Just last month against Elche, Güler scored from roughly 74 yards out, a strike that underscored his fearlessness from distance.

He then added another dimension to his game, scoring his first direct free kick for Real Madrid in what was only his 14th attempt.

Rising influence under Arbeloa

Güler has become an increasingly important figure in the midfield under coach Álvaro Arbeloa. He has started all three Champions League knockout matches and was rested in league fixtures against Elche and Girona, a clear sign of how central he has become to Madrid’s plans.

Despite his age, the midfielder already has 110 appearances for the club, a milestone that reflects how quickly he has moved from prospect to key contributor.

Arda Güler set for key role in Real Madrid’s long-term project after breakout display — Güler challenges Olise for the ball during last Wednesday's match against Bayern.RONALD WITTEK

Consistent production and growing responsibility

Güler’s output in front of goal has been remarkably steady. His brace in Munich brought him to six goals this season, matching his totals from each of the previous two campaigns.

But this year, his impact extends beyond scoring. He also has 13 assists, placing him fourth on Real Madrid’s goal contribution list behind Kylian Mbappé (40 goals, 5 assists), Vinícius Júnior (17 goals, 11 assists), and Federico Valverde (9 goals, 12 assists).

Valverde and Güler have also become Madrid’s primary long-range threats, with both players regularly attempting shots from distance. Valverde, like Güler, has also scored from a free kick this season, netting against Atlético Madrid in the Spanish Super Cup semifinal.

A complete midfielder emerging

Beyond attacking output, Güler’s overall game continues to evolve. According to BeSoccer Pro data, he leads Real Madrid in successful defensive one-on-one duels at 0.35 per game, a higher rate than any defender in the squad.

He also ranks among the team leaders in multiple passing categories, including attempts, completions, passes into the final third, long passes, vertical progression, and line-breaking distribution.

A future leader for club and country

Güler is now a central figure for both club and country. He has become a leader for Turkey, guiding a historic campaign that has secured World Cup qualification under his influence.

At Real Madrid, he is increasingly viewed as a long-term solution in midfield, especially as the club continues to transition from the era of Toni Kroos and Luka Modrić. Each performance like this only strengthens that trajectory.

Güler is no longer just a young talent in the squad. He is becoming one of the players shaping its future.