Xabi Alonso's Real Madrid departure is still the biggest talking point among Madridistas over a week after the shock news broke. The Spaniard parted ways with the La Liga giants after a 3-2 loss to Barcelona in the Supercopa de Espana final although various reports suggest there was more to the story.
Vinicius Junior's relationship with Alonso seemed untenable by the time he left his role as Madrid manager. The Brazilian endured a nosedive that led to an 18-game goal drought and calls from fans for him to be dropped.
Alonso's replacement Alvaro Arbeloa has insisted Vinicius will be a focus of his team and that's been proven his first two games in charge. But the winger might not be the only one to benefit from a change in coach.
Arbeloa appointment could help Real Madrid star
Arda Guler's future was uncertain during the latter stages of Alonso's spell when he struggled to reach expectations. He appeared 34 times under the Spaniard, posting four goals and 10 assists.
The 20-year-old started on the bench for the Supercopa final defeat to Barca and only came on for 22 minutes. Alonso definitely backed the Turk but it seems Arbeloa is ready to put his faith in him to help Los Blancos finish the season successfully.
According to DIario AS, Arbeloa is set to make Guler a regular starter and use him as a playmaker. He'll be handed "necessary minutes" to settle in his new role.
Guler's versatility has been used throughout the season, playing in attacking midfield, out on the right wing and in central midfield. But it seems Arbeloa wants him to be a creative spark which is something that has been lacking this season.
The Turkiye international joined the club from Fenerbahce in the summer of 2023 for €26m. He was described as the 'next Mesut Ozil' during his time in his homeland.
Guler on his preferred position
Guler looks likely to be handed the keys to Madrid's playmaking box and that's something he will be relishing. The Turk spoke back in the summer about his preferred role in Los Blancos' team and insisted his best work comes in midfield (via Managing Madrid):
"I can play centrally or wide, but I don’t mind where I play. I want to earn minutes here. I like to be an offensive player and create goals or goalscoring situations. I’ll play where the coach wants me to play."
Guler is likely to get the opportunity to show he's the man for the job when he starts in Madrid's Champions League clash with AS Monaco tonight (January 20th). He will be eager to impress and prove he deserves a regular starting role.