Real Madrid manager Carlo Ancelotti said Arda Guler - who starred in the club's win over Celta Vigo - is much, much better now than when he first came into the 2024-25 season.
It was never a doubt that Real Madrid have a future star in Guler - who already has a fan in Xabi Alonso - and it was a matter of when, not if the player will become a game-changer for this already talented Real Madrid side.
Ancelotti was asked about his performance and growth since the start of the season, to which he said good things.
He said: "It has been a natural progression of a player who wants to play for Madrid, who has a lot of quality, who has worked a lot.
"It is clear that the Güler of September is not the one of today. His physical profile has changed, his quality is still there, it’s normal and natural.
“I see him much better, with less responsibility this year. The pressure was too much for his age. He is handling it better.
"He has more confidence, if he makes a mistake it’s not the end of the world. Two months ago I gave him stick and I think I have to congratulate him because they have done a good job with him.”
Real Madrid and Carlo Ancelotti realised Arda Guler's quality too late
These words are good to hear from Carlo Ancelotti after yet another brilliant performance from Guler. It was obvious that he was this good, but he had to play a bit more than he has this season in order to show it.
Real Madrid have missed a profile like him all season, and now might be too late for Guler to make a substantial impact. But, it does show that he is ready for regular first-team football and should be in the starting XI for Real Madrid more often than not.
Ancelotti was asked whether Guler will feature in the starting XI for Real Madrid's most important match of the season so far, and Ancelotti gave a puzzling answer, but it still sounded better than what he used to give back in the day.
He said: “He can play, that’s true. He will compete to be in the starting XI. There is no doubt about that.”