Real Madrid superstar’s return casts doubts over key player’s place in the team | OneFootball

Arda Guler has, without a doubt, been one of the biggest beneficiaries of the managerial change at Real Madrid.

From being constantly overlooked by Carlo Ancelotti, the 20-year-old Turkish prodigy has become an integral part of Xabi Alonso’s setup, and has repaid the faith shown by the manager with solid performances.

Deployed in a new role in midfield, Guler has become a key player for Real Madrid this season, starting all four La Liga games.

Bellingham is back – Where does it leave Guler?

However, as reported by AS, with the return of Jude Bellingham from injury Guler’s place in the Real Madrid starting lineup has been cast under doubt.

After all, the youngster’s opportunity opened partly due to Bellingham’s shoulder operation, which forced the coach to restructure the midfield. Guler responded to the challenge with top displays, consolidating himself as a key player.

Bellingham is back from injury. (Photo by Michael Owens/Getty Images)

But, Bellingham is now back, much earlier than anticipated, and has already been included in the squad for tonight’s game against Marseille, giving way to uncertainty over Guler’s situation.

It is now up to Xabi to decide whether to keep the starlet in midfield or reconfigure the line-up to accommodate both – like he did during the FIFA Club World Cup, when Guler and Bellingham played in the middle along with Aurelien Tchouameni and Fede Valverde.

Arda’s versatility allows him to operate on the right wing, a position still open in the squad. Franco Mastantuono and Brahim Diaz are currently competing for that role, but the Turkish international’s consistency and vision make him a strong alternative.

With only a few months under Alonso’s guidance, Guler has become one of Real Madrid’s standout names. But Bellingham’s return poses questions for the manager on how to best utilise his resources moving forward.