Real Madrid starlet passes Xabi Alonso’s test; could play a key role next season | OneFootball

Arda Guler’s performances were one of the highlights for Real Madrid during the FIFA Club World Cup campaign that ended in a heartbreaking 4-0 defeat to Paris Saint-Germain in the semifinal.

Guler was a live wire throughout the tournament and made a solid impression in the final third, along with another breakthrough star in Gonzalo Garcia.

In light of the Turk’s strong performances in Club World Cup, the player could gain favour from Xabi Alonso heading into the new season.

Guler passes Alonso’s first test

As reported by MARCA, new coach Xabi Alonso was impressed with Guler’s performances, not just for his quality on the ball but for his tactical maturity and willingness to adapt.

Güler was deployed in a deeper midfield role during the tournament, in a system with three central defenders behind him – a position unfamiliar to him but one in which he thrived.

Can Xabi Alonso get the best out of Arda Guler next season? (Photo by Luke Hales/Getty Images)

The idea is to take advantage of his technique and vision, while also asking more of him defensively.

Guler now begins preseason with a completely different outlook. After a frustrating start to life at Real Madrid, marked by injuries and limited minutes, he now seems to have found a coach who believes in him.

Although Xabi Alonso has a long way to go before he can impose his playing style at the Bernabeu, everything points to Guler playing a key role in his plans.

This is a good sign for Real Madrid as a whole, especially amid reports linking star player Rodrygo with a move away from the club this summer.