Why Arda Güler should start for Real Madrid

Arda Güler was a standout player during the final stretch of last season, and he’s continued to impress for Real Madrid during the United States tour: Ancelotti is clearly taking note.

The midfielder has made a strong impression in the early stages of preseason, a sharp contrast to the challenges he faced last summer. From an injury that sidelined him a year ago, he has now found himself in the starting lineup for the first two friendlies (Ancelotti rested him in the third against Chelsea).

In the 2024-25 preseason, Güler’s influence has been evident from the start. In the Clásico, he delivered the corner that led to Nico Paz scoring the first goal. Güler himself could have been the scorer if not for a tight offside call on a brilliant first-half goal following a sensational touch to take down Brahim’s pass.

The 19-year-old Turk “has become more powerful and more resistant,” according to Ancelotti. He played 57 minutes against Milan, putting in one of Madrid’s best performances in the first half. In the Clásico, he played the full match, capping it off with an assist to Nico Paz. Güler started both games as a right winger but ended the match against Barça up front alongside Vinicius after a series of substitutions.

Ancelotti wants to position him closer to the opponent’s box. “I think the closer to the goal, the better. He is very effective, scores easily in tight spaces, and has a special talent. He shows it better closer to the goal. He shouldn’t play on the left. With his left foot, if he has the opportunity to shoot, he should take it,” said the Madrid coach during the tour.

Competition for a spot in the starting eleven will be fierce. To secure the right-wing position and take full advantage of his powerful shot, Güler must contend with Rodrygo and compete with Brahim, who impressed with a goal against Chelsea as a false 9.

However, this season, his second at Madrid, Güler will have more opportunities to showcase his talents, as he already has. Last season, he suffered three injuries that delayed his debut until January against Arandina. Once he started getting more minutes, he gained momentum and finished the season with six goals from just six shots on target—a remarkable achievement in only 440 minutes of play. Since the Clásico, Güler has given Ancelotti another reason to consider him: with Toni Kroos’s departure, Güler could be a strong candidate to take over corner-kick duties.