Arda Guler did not have the most frutiful 2026 World Cup, as his Turkish national team disappointed badly in arguably the tournament's easiest group. Although the Real Madrid star and his teammates saved some face with a win over the United States, which included a goal for Guler, it was a tournament to forget for the entire nation.
The young attacking midfielder will return to Real Madrid, though, with what should be optimism. He has a lot of fuel to keep him moving after the horrible Champions League and World Cup exits, and now he has a manager who is more competent and can back him more in Jose Mourinho, who may see Guler as his own Mesut Ozil in that No. 10 role.
Now, Jude Bellingham is an even better No. 10 than Guler, because despite not having the same creativity and technique of the pass as Guler, the England international can create a high volume of chances and add even more goals with his frame and instincts.
Arda Guler is the No. 10 for Real Madrid
After shining as the 10, Bellingham dropped his best performance of the World Cup yet as a No. 8 alongside Elliot Anderson to help accommodate Aston Villa star Morgan Rogers as the 10. Bellingham's performance was honestly great news for Arda Guler, because it showed to Real Madrid and others that no matter where he plays, as long as he is made central to the team's plans, Jude will produce with his unique skills.
So if there was ever a debate about the best No. 10 for Real Madrid or people pitting Guler and Bellingham in the modern day "Stan Wars", that has been settled by the fact that Jude and Arda don't need to eat into each other's roles or playing time.
Jude Bellingham can be a more box to box player but still contribute a lot to the attack with the right No. 6 to support him, and Guler can focus more on being that little playmaker who finds pockets of space and releases the forwards, especially Kylian Mbappe, in on goal. And he can even release the ball for an onrushing Bellingham, who will win him transition opportunities defensively to get assists on the counter.
By shining as an 8, Jude reminded Real Madrid fans that Guler has a clear role in this team as a 10, and because Guler is better as an attacking midfielder than a regista and Jude is just as good no matter where he plays, Guler's role is 100 percent set.
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