Xabi Alonso happy with Real Madrid youngster’s performance in a new role | OneFootball

Real Madrid booked their place in the Round of 16 of the FIFA Club World Cup thanks to a resounding 3-0 victory over RB Salzburg.

Although the performance of star player Vinicius Junior was the major highlight, the game also saw Xabi Alonso handing Arda Guler another star.

The Turkish international was less impactful than he was in earlier matches. But he looked confident in the attacking position, linking play quite well.

Alonso happy with Guler’s performance

In light of his impressive showing in the FIFA Club World Cup, MARCA reports that Xabi Alonso and Real Madrid, at large, are extremely happy with Guler’s performances in midfield.

This is a massive boost for the young Turkish international, who has struggled with game-time ever since he joined Real Madrid.

Alonso made a move in the second match against Pachuca and positioned him closer to the centre. From that position, the youngster got on the ball more regularly, choosing his pace well and bringing a sense of composure to the team’s play.

Arda Guler has emerged as one of Real Madrid’s top performers (Photo by Denis Doyle/Getty Images)

Guler has improved greatly as time progressed and he is now more than active than ever, although there is always room for improvement.

With Guler gaining favour from Xabi Alonso, there is a strong chance he could make a big breakthrough next season, especially if he can maintain this consistency.

It has been reported earlier that Guler was a key reason why Real Madrid opted to part ways with Luka Modric. Now, the onus will be on the young Turk to provide the creative impetus in the final third and continue his adaptation in midfield.

It will also be interesting to see how Alonso plans to integrate Franco Mastantuono into the attack as well, although the Argentine is not expected to join the team anytime before August 14.