Alvaro Arbeloa places heavy expectations on 20-year-old Real Madrid talent | OneFootball

The 2025/26 season has been a confusing and frustrating one for Arda Guler. 

After showing promise early on, the Turkish international found himself drifting out of focus as the campaign progressed, raising questions about his role and long-term future at the club.

When Xabi Alonso began his spell as Real Madrid manager, Guler featured regularly and appeared to have the coach’s trust. 

His technical quality and ability to play between the lines suited the team’s structure at the time. 

However, as the season wore on, his influence faded. Minutes became harder to come by, and his role gradually diminished.

Even the managerial change did not immediately work in Guler’s favour. With Alvaro Arbeloa stepping in, expectations of a reset were high, but the Turk’s situation remained uncertain. 

He started the new era with a 2-3 defeat against Albacete, and then against Levante in La Liga, he was on the bench.

That was the turning point

That match proved to be a turning point. After a flat and uninspiring first half, Arbeloa introduced Guler after the break in search of a spark. 

Guler will play a big role under Arbeloa. (Photo by Denis Doyle/Getty Images)

The change was immediate. Real Madrid moved the ball quickly, created chances that had been missing, and found goals. 

The real statement came in the next match. Back at the Santiago Bernabeu, Real Madrid faced AS Monaco, and this time Guler was named in the starting XI. 

According to MARCA, the decision made Arbeloa’s intentions clear that he wants Guler to reclaim his place as the team’s main playmaker.

Renewed faith

Against Monaco, Guler looked closer to his best. He dropped deep to help build play under pressure, but also arrived near the box when Madrid attacked. 

Arbeloa’s system demands more from him than before. He is expected not only to create chances with his passing but also to work without the ball, contribute in transitions, and help structure the midfield.

Crucially, Arbeloa appears convinced that Guler is the only player capable of filling this role consistently, mostly because during Alonso’s final matches, no alternative truly stepped up. 

Now, with renewed trust and a clear tactical role, Guler has a chance to stabilise his season and finally establish himself as a key figure in Real Madrid’s midfield.