Arda Guler Set to Lead Real Madrid’s Midfield Future

Arda Guler is rapidly establishing himself as the future of Real Madrid, earning high praise from club legend Toni Kroos. The Turkish midfielder’s rise to prominence this season under head coach Xabi Alonso has generated significant excitement at the Bernabeu, with Kroos forecasting that Real Madrid will rely on Guler for many years to come.

Arda Guler’s Breakthrough at Real Madrid

Arda Guler’s journey hasn’t been without challenges. After joining Real Madrid and spending much of the 2024-25 season on the fringes under Carlo Ancelotti, Guler’s fortunes changed with Xabi Alonso’s appointment in May 2025. Alonso handed the 20-year-old the keys to the midfield during the Club World Cup, marking a pivotal moment for Guler’s career.

Deployed in a slightly deeper central midfield role than his usual right-wing position, Guler impressed with his vision, technical ability, and, as Kroos described, his “delicate touch.” Since the start of the 2025-26 season, Guler has been a mainstay in Alonso’s squad, featuring in all 16 matches and starting 14 of them. His performances earned him La Liga’s Under-23 Player of the Month award for September, a clear indication of his growing influence.

Primary Focus Keyword: Arda Guler Future at Real Madrid

Guler’s rise comes at a time when Real Madrid’s midfield is undergoing transformation. With Kroos retiring in 2024 and Luka Modric moving to AC Milan, the club needed young talent to step up. Kroos, now watching from the sidelines, has voiced his satisfaction at Guler’s progress, noting that the youngster deserves his increased playing time and is poised to make his mark at the club.

Kroos emphasized that drawing comparisons between himself and Guler isn’t entirely accurate. “Arda is a different type of player than me. He’s more effective higher up the pitch,” said the German legend. “But he’s a great kid, and his delicate touch has already contributed a lot to Real. With consistent playing time, he can become a cornerstone for Madrid’s future.”

Alonso’s Faith in Guler’s Development

Speaking after Madrid’s 1-0 Champions League victory over Juventus, Xabi Alonso reinforced his commitment to developing Arda Guler. “Arda is in the process of improving everything,” Alonso remarked. “At 20 years old, he’s already played important matches for Madrid. He needs to improve decision-making and pressing, but his qualities are clear. When he’s involved, our team dynamic improves. I’m very happy with his progress, but we expect even more.”

Alonso’s willingness to nurture young talent, coupled with Guler’s hunger to learn and make an impact, bodes well for Los Blancos’ continued success.

Guler and Mbappe: The New Dynamic Duo?

One of the most exciting developments this season has been Arda Guler’s budding partnership with star forward Kylian Mbappe. Their on-pitch synergy has drawn comparisons to the legendary combination of Mesut Ozil and Cristiano Ronaldo. Guler’s vision and creativity have complemented Mbappe’s goal-scoring prowess, with six of Mbappe’s 18 goals this season being assisted by Guler.

This partnership is quickly becoming vital for Madrid’s attacking play, and many believe that their chemistry could be the key to the club’s pursuit of major trophies this season. “Significant success is always achieved by a team, never just two players,” Guler humbly noted. Nevertheless, the growing understanding between these two young stars is undeniable.

A New Era Dawns at the Bernabeu

The emergence of Arda Guler as a central figure in Real Madrid’s midfield is a testament to the club’s commitment to youth and evolution. With established talents like Jude Bellingham, Federico Valverde, Aurelien Tchouameni, and Eduardo Camavinga in the squad, Guler’s ascent underscores both his exceptional talent and the trust placed in him by Alonso and the coaching staff.

For Real Madrid fans, Guler’s rise offers hope and excitement for the years ahead. As Toni Kroos predicted, the Turkish youngster is well positioned to become a foundational player at the club, shaping a new era at the Bernabeu.

Opinion: Guler Holds the Keys to Real’s Midfield

In my view, Arda Guler’s emergence couldn’t have come at a better time for Real Madrid. His technical brilliance, work ethic, and ability to deliver under pressure make him an invaluable asset. With a supportive coach in Alonso and experienced teammates around him, Guler appears destined to lead Madrid’s midfield for years to come. If he continues on this trajectory, there’s little doubt he will become a club legend in his own right.

For more insights and updates, visit our homepage for more news.