Fans think Alonso got it right dropping Real Madrid star vs Real Betis

Real Madrid headed into their game against Real Betis with all eyes on how Xabi Alonso would deal with Kylian Mbappe's absence. The French forward is sidelined with a knee sprain and might not be fit in time for the Spanish Super Cup semi-final against Atletico Madrid next week.

Alonso opted to start Gonzalo Garcia in a front three alongside Vinicius Junior, with Rodrygo playing just behind. It was a bold decision but the main talking point amongst fans has been his decision to name Arda Guler on the bench.

Guler has endured a frustrating spell at Madrid since arriving from Fenerbahce in the summer of 2023. He has managed three goals and five assists in 18 La Liga games this season but has come in and out of his manager's starting lineup.

Real Madrid fans praise Alonso call over Guler

Guler started the 2-0 win over Sevilla on December 20th before being subbed off for Eduardo Camavinga in the 72nd minute. He obviously didn't do enough to keep his place in Alonso's side and this has gone down well with Madridstas.

One fan responded to Alonso's team selection by suggesting Guler's future at the Bernabeu is at risk:

"Arda said goodbye to his jersey until he remembered to play football. If he doesn't remember until the end of the season, it seems that it will be his last season at Real Madrid."

Another fan was pleased to see the Turkish midfielder dropped:

"Not starting Arda is making me like Xabi Alonso.. Suddenly he looks like a competent coach."

One supporter reckons Camavinga will keep Guler out of the team:

"Xabi has realized his mistakes. If Camavinga stays fit, Guler won’t start games."

Another alluded to Camavinga being a better fit:

"Good decision of playing Cama instead of Arda. Xabi plays him deep anyways so Cama will do much better in that role."

One thinks it's the beginning of the end for Guler at Madrid:

"Arda getting sold in the summer. Xabi finally saw the light."

Alonso desperately needed his team to win to keep pace with Barcelona in the La Liga title race. It's also important to start the year in a positive manner with a victory against a Betis side who sat sixth heading into the game.

Arsenal and Man United eyeing Arda Guler

If Guler is to leave the Bernabeu he might be headed to the Premier League amid reports claiming he's on Mikel Arteta's radar. Fichajes reports that Arsenal are admirers of the Turk who has three years left on his contract.

The same outlet also claims Manchester United are keeping tabs on the 20-year-old although a January move seems unlikely. Madrid are believed to value him at €80 million but there's no suggestion that the club are looking to sell.

Guler is still young and growing which means there is a need for patience as he continues his development. Alonso's handling of him will be crucial if he is to eventually fulfil his potential at the Bernabeu.