National team coach happy with Real Madrid starlet’s progress under Alonso – ‘Forced him to do different things’ | OneFootball

Arda Guler has been one of the top beneficiaries of Xabi Alonso’s arrival and his situation at Real Madrid has seen a drastic turn for the better in recent months.

The youngster is now a bona fide starter in Los Blancos’ midfield and the new manager counts on him as the creator-in-chief for the team. His performances, needless to say, have backed up Alonso’s faith in him.

So far this season, Guler has started all three of Real Madrid’s La Liga games and has played over 70 minutes on all occasions. In that duration, he already has a goal and an assist to his name and even earned another assist in Turkey’s first game of the break.

Turkey manager speaks

Speaking to the media ahead of Turkey’s clash against Spain later this week, the coach of the Turkish national team was asked to give his honest thoughts on Arda Guler, especially with the youngster now seeing regular minutes at the club level.

“Arda has played consistently at Real Madrid since the end of last season. He is a great talent and a great football player,” he began, acknowledging his talent.

Guler has shone brightly for Real Madrid. (Photo by Juan Manuel Serrano Arce/Getty Images)

Montella then went on to explain how Xabi Alonso was extracting the most from the youngster’s talent and providing a template of his versatility.

“He can play in all positions, and he is doing it further back. Xabi Alonso has forced him to do different things.”

Guler will start for his national team against Spain tomorrow night where he will be up against a steep challenge. After all, La Roja are one of the most in-form international teams at the moment.

What will be more interesting to follow on the night will be Guler sharing the field with Lamine Yamal in a battle of prodigal talents.

Source: AA Spor