As Real Madrid gears up for their Club World Cup clash against Juventus on Tuesday, all eyes are on rising star Arda Guler, who is quickly becoming a pivotal figure under new manager Xabi Alonso. Nicknamed the 'Turkish Messi,' the 20-year-old midfielder is enjoying a resurgence after a challenging season under previous coach Carlo Ancelotti.
Guler, who joined Real Madrid from Fenerbahce, initially struggled to secure a consistent role last season, playing fewer than 1,800 minutes across all competitions. However, Alonso's arrival has revitalized the young talent, who has already showcased his potential in recent matches against Pachuca and RB Salzburg. In those games, Guler not only scored a crucial goal but also demonstrated his ability to control the midfield, completing more passes than any other player during his time on the pitch.
Alonso has shown confidence in Guler by deploying him in a central midfield role, a position the player himself prefers. This shift has seen Guler replace veteran Luka Modric in the starting lineup, with the Croatian midfielder often coming on as a substitute to conserve Guler's energy. Modric is set to leave Real Madrid after the Club World Cup, with AC Milan as his likely destination, paving the way for Guler to solidify his place in the team.
Guler's rise has been praised by Wolves manager Vitor Pereira, who gave the midfielder his professional debut at Fenerbahce in 2021. Pereira compared Guler to former Real Madrid star James Rodriguez, highlighting his exceptional talent and intelligence on the ball. "He's got the quality and mentality to become a main protagonist," Pereira said. "I have no doubt his future has big things in store."
With Alonso at the helm, Guler's career is on an upward trajectory. If he continues to shine, particularly in the upcoming match against Juventus, the 'Turkish Messi' could soon establish himself as one of football's brightest stars.
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