Real Madrid are getting a brilliant version of Arda Guler in this inaugural edition of Arda Guler.
Of course, it is a new system, a new coach, and a few new players, so it will take time to gel, but what we have seen from the Turkish wonderkid, it has been really, really good.
Guler came on in the second half against Al-Hilal and was one of Real Madrid's best players. He was so good that he earned a starting spot against Pachuca on Sunday.
He was even better there, and he registered a goal, among other great things. It is clear why Alonso loves him.
Now, there have been conversations among fans about how he should be starting every game. With these performances, it is hard to argue.
Arda Guler's amazing performances are a bane for one huge star
However, it is bad for one Real Madrid star. Rodrygo has not had the best of years. He has still only scored one goal in his last 25 games, and has only played 65 minutes since the Copa Del Rey final in April - all of which were against Al-Hilal.
If Guler keeps performing the way he is performing these days, it will be tough to see a lineup without his name.
If his name is there, then there is a huge chance Rodrygo's is not. Let's have a look.
Alonso will obviously not bench Kylian Mbappe or Vinicius Jr. He will not bench Jude Bellingham - he has no reason to, either. Same goes for Aurelien Tchouameni and Fede Valverde. It leaves Rodrygo as the only dispensable option.
Real Madrid obviously have a big decision to make with Rodrygo this summer. He may leave, he may stay.
These days, no one really knows what is going to happen. But, if Guler keeps gaining momentum the way he is right now, and he keeps the consistency, combine that with the arrival of Franco Mastantuono, and it will be tough to see Rodrygo's name in the starting XI.
Rodrygo could score a hat-trick in the next game and put this bad run behind him, but the chances of that happening are slim.