The bubble has burst for Real Madrid, who have been given a harsh reality check. In the quarter-finals against Borussia Dortmund, beyond the crazy finale, the team impressed with their play and showed what Xabi Alonso is aiming for. However, last night against PSG, everything blew up in the air, returning to the old ways with a team that was nothing like the one in previous matches. Nothing worked, not even the coach’s big gamble of playing Arda Güler as the team’s playmaker.
Arda Güler fades against PSG
Against PSG, the Turkish midfielder was overwhelmed. Facing a demanding opponent, Arda Güler failed his first test. He looked out of his depth and lost at every turn in a game that did not suit him or his style of play. He spent more time chasing the ball than in possession, where he could have turned the game around by creating chances.
The match went awry and the Turkish player was not at his best, even from set pieces, making it clear that what he has been lacking is a reality and that he must work to improve the situation. Arda failed to pass the test in a match that demanded the utmost in defense and tactics. It is not enough to play well when the wind is in your favor, and perhaps that is where he lacks maturity.
Points to improve
In recent days, there has been speculation about the things Arda Güler needs to improve to become the playmaker the team needs. There are still things to work on defensively, but the Turkish player is confident he can “keep improving” and explained what the Basque coach is asking of him. “He asks me to play like a number 10, to get involved in the game, to direct and improve the team. Happier? Yes, for sure.“
This is how Xabi Alonso himself explained a few days ago what he sees and what the player is lacking. ”The first half helped us a lot to get close to the center backs and then link up with Jude and the back line. And then, once he progresses, he’s accompanied and has very good footwork near the area. The two assists, the shot, and that’s where he’s dangerous,“ he said. He continued: ”But we all have to help him, we have to give him balance. I said it yesterday, there will be things he has to improve, but you improve by playing,” he said with a smile.
Kroos already warned us
A few days ago, in an interview with La Gazzetta dello Sport, Toni Kroos made it clear what he thinks the Whites are still missing. “We’re still missing a player like me… and they’re still looking for him,” he said, adding that “there aren’t many players like that, and the ones that are out there aren’t easy to get.” The German star left a void in the Whites that no one has been able to fill. Everyone is missing something or is not performing consistently, and it is the team and the results that are paying the price.
Time to hit the market: the candidates
With this situation, it seems that Real Madrid, which had put its search for a playmaker on hold, will have to reopen that file. For months, the favorite for the position was Martín Zubimendi, who connects well with Xabi Alonso, but the team did not make a move, and Arsenal announced his signing this week. Other names that have been mentioned in connection with the team include Angelo Stiller, Exequiel Palacios, Enzo Fernández, Mac Allister… and a long list of others. However, in recent days, one name has been gaining ground: that of young Kees Smit, who has many high-level suitors, so if Real Madrid wants him, they will have to start taking steps. According to ‘TBR Football’, there could be an initial agreement on the price. AZ has valued the player at around €25 million, a more than affordable amount for the Whites.