Real Madrid youngster likely to play ‘key role’ in coming weeks – report | OneFootball

Real Madrid’s recent defeat to Barcelona in the Copa del Rey was indeed a massive blow to the team’s hope of winning a trophy this season. Compared to previous performances against Barcelona, however, it was a net positive.

For the first time this season, Los Blancos showed to have what it takes to frighten Barcelona and give them a run for their money, especially in the second half of the game.

Positives to take home

Ancelotti made changes early in the second half to turn the tide of the game in favour of his team. While Kylian Mbappe’s introduction was crucial, Arda Guler played an equally important role after coming on.

As relayed by Rodra in a recent report, the management was impressed with Guler’s ability to stand out as a bright spot in Real Madrid’s game against a formidable opposition and thus saw it right to give him more prominence.

Arda Guler will play a prominent role in the final few matches of the season. (Photo by Angel Martinez/Getty Images)

The youngster will thus have more minutes in the final stretch of the season, including the Club World Cup in June.

Real Madrid are in need of an urgent rebuild to restore their place as one of the best teams in the world and Guler is seen as a key player to reach that target.

The Turkish star has, after all, been heavily touted to be the next big thing in football with a very high ceiling but was surprisingly restricted to the bench by Carlo Ancelotti throughout the season.

Against Barcelona, he came on ten minutes into the second half and racked up three key passes, created one big chance and won nine duels for Real Madrid.

His ability to play as both a midfielder and a winger could be a boon Los Blancos seriously exploit in the coming seasons.