It looks like it’s going to happen: Xabi Alonso already has his new creative midfielder. Arda Güler was once again chosen to start for Real Madrid, and he seems delighted with his new role in the team. In addition, Xabi Alonso‘s system, at least the one he used against Salzburg, “frees” him from having to carry the weight of the defensive tasks that a traditional central midfielder should have.
Arda Güler and his ease of play
The Turkish player finally seems to be getting the influence he has been demanding in the team. The lack of a central midfielder who can play the ball out from the back has led Xabi Alonso to opt for his quality to take the reins of the team playing from the back. The Turkish player, with his vision and quality on the ball, gave a masterclass in how to play the ball out from the back as if he had played in this position all his life. His clarity in his play makes life much easier for his teammates, who fed off his effective passes to create danger in the opposition’s box.
Xabi Alonso dispels doubts
There were many doubts about how Arda Güler would perform in this new position, especially in defense, which is key for a central midfielder. And Xabi Alonso seems to have the solution. Tchouaméni played as the third center back, which gives the Turkish player more peace of mind in defense, but he is by no means giving up on his defensive duties. The third center back also frees up the wingbacks, who are more midfielders than fullbacks and help out in defense when needed. In addition, it has freed up Valverde, who can now focus more on exploiting his physical qualities. In attack, he used to position himself in front of the Turkish player, but behind him in defense. Everything revolves around Güler, with the Turk having the best options to contribute in defense and the comfort and peace of mind to start the play protected by his teammates.
Goodbye to emergencies
Xabi Alonso and Güler are freeing Real Madrid from one of its biggest emergencies for this summer. The club still sees the importance of strengthening this position, especially to have a broader squad, but what was an urgent need may no longer be so. Xabi Alonso’s system not only favors Güler, it also favors Ceballos, who is also committed to defense but has more strengths in attack—he has also shone in the minutes he has been given by the coach in the last two games.
Madrid continues to look at the market, but there is nothing that particularly appeals to them, and what they could consider could end up being very expensive. Xabi Alonso’s new system offers alternatives and allows them to take their time with a signing that remains a priority to strengthen the midfield.
Xabi Alonso is betting on Arda Güler and the Turkish player is responding. His quality in passing and ball control, supported by a system that offers him alternatives on all sides of the field, are making the young White promise shine, who finally seems to be finding his place in the club after two seasons of many doubts. It looks like Xabi Alonso will be the definitive choice for this Club World Cup, and after the tournament, the club will have to evaluate whether to stick with the Turkish player or open up to new options. For now, the experiment is working, and Real Madrid seems to be remembering what it was like to play football again.