Arda Güler has spent two years at Real Madrid with serious doubts about his future at the club, but the arrival of Xabi Alonso and the opportunity to become an important player has come at just the right time, and he is now extra motivated and determined not to waste the opportunity that lies ahead. Proof of this has been his physical transformation in less than a month of vacation, showing that the Turkish player has taken advantage of his free time to get stronger and take on the new role entrusted to him by the Basque coach.
Güler and his transformation
Arda Güler ended the league season on a high note, playing well in a position that was not his own, that of central midfielder. Ancelotti put his faith in him and Xabi Alonso gave him continuity in the Club World Cup. He was one of the best players in the tournament and a breath of fresh air for the club, because he helped the young prospect regain his confidence and because he could be an important reinforcement for a position that is very difficult to fill.
Such has been the Turkish player’s motivation that he has spent his three-week summer vacation preparing physically for his new position. The young, slim player has gained seven kilos of muscle, knowing that his new role requires physical strength and control of his body.
Xabi Alonso and his coaching staff have been pleasantly surprised, as they did not expect such a radical change in such a short time. The player left with homework, and he has done it exceptionally well.
Güler, the linchpin of Real Madrid
Time is on Arda Güler‘s side. Despite his great performance in midfield, there are still doubts inside and outside the club as to whether he can lead Real Madrid throughout the season. But there are no alternatives: the club has not managed to find a midfielder who meets the club’s criteria, and what it has found is beyond its budget. Barring a major surprise, the squad is closed for the new season, which means that Güler will be the linchpin of the team in this new campaign.
Xabi Alonso is convinced, and more importantly, so is the Turkish player, who is working hard to adapt to this new role, not only physically but also looking for ways to internalize the automatisms required by this position. He has quality, and plenty of it, and if he is able to adapt to the position and learn it well, he could become one of the key players in the team this season.
Competition in the youth academy
In the absence of signings, Güler will have competition from the youth academy. Xabi Alonso has brought Manuel Ángel and Thiago Pitarch, two gems from Castilla who are set to become the brains of Real Madrid in the coming years, into training with the first team. The former is the leader of the reserve team at 21 years of age, and his progress has only been slowed by injuries, but his quality is unquestionable. Thiago Pitarch is only 18 years old and has been training with Castilla for barely a month, but his progress has been meteoric and there are high hopes for him.
This will be the competition that Arda Güler will face this season, and he must be careful, because the position requires a lot of work, and if he does not meet expectations, Xabi Alonso has already shown that they trust the youth academy, just ask Gonzalo. But for now, the Turk will be the conductor in the control room, he will be in charge of guiding the team and he is ready and motivated to take on the challenge. For now, he has transformed his body for the task, working hard to arrive at the start of this new season ready to take the next step in his career.