Xabi Alonso’s Tactical Shake-Up: Arda Güler Set for Midfield Role at Real Madrid
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- Arda Güler is expected to shift into a deeper midfield role under Xabi Alonso at Real Madrid.
- The Turkish international struggled for minutes in his first season, often deployed out wide.
- Alonso’s tactical plan may help Güler fill the void left by Luka Modrić’s departure.
- Concerns remain over squad balance following Real Madrid’s past issues with player positioning.
As Xabi Alonso prepares to take the reins at Real Madrid, one of his most intriguing decisions involves 20-year-old Arda Güler. Reports suggest that the Spanish tactician sees Güler as more than a winger or attacking midfielder. Instead, Alonso could repurpose the Turkish playmaker into a deeper, more central role—possibly as early as the FIFA Club World Cup. For fans diving into match analysis and LaLiga Predictions, this tactical shift could be a significant development.
Güler’s debut season at the Bernabéu was marked by inconsistency and limited minutes, largely spent on the right wing or just behind the striker. With only flashes of his true potential visible, it became clear that a system better suited to his strengths was needed. Alonso’s more progressive midfield strategies could offer that solution, especially as Real Madrid enters a new era without Luka Modrić.
Shifting Güler into a deeper playmaking role isn’t without its risks. While his vision and left foot are undeniable assets, questions remain over his defensive work rate and physicality in central midfield. Yet, this is where Alonso’s approach could be transformative. The idea appears to be building a midfield where Güler’s creativity complements the defensive steel of players like Aurélien Tchouaméni and Eduardo Camavinga, while balancing the forward surges of Jude Bellingham.
However, competition looms on the horizon. Real Madrid’s rumored interest in River Plate’s Franco Mastantuono could complicate matters. Both Mastantuono and Güler favor operating from similar positions on the pitch. If both stay, positional reshuffling will be inevitable, demanding clear tactical frameworks to avoid last season’s missteps—when overlapping roles led to diminished returns despite star-studded lineups, including Kylian Mbappé.
With Modrić’s exit imminent and Alonso looking to stamp his identity on the team, this season represents a pivotal chapter for Güler. He has the tools to thrive in a deep midfield role—now it’s a matter of execution. For fans and analysts alike, Real Madrid’s midfield evolution could reshape not just the club’s identity, but also influence future LaLiga Predictions across the board.
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