Xabi Alonso is different from Carlo Ancelotti in many ways. Sometimes it’s about a new method or a slight shift in preference, but Alonso stands completely antithetical to Ancelotti in one key area: his trust in Real Madrid’s youth.
Carlo Ancelotti was the kind of manager who seemed to avoid looking at the academy altogether. So much so that he once opted to play Luka Modric as a striker in an El Clasico instead of calling up a youth team forward.
Xabi, on the other hand, has shown more faith in these young talents than anyone else. His belief in Gonzalo Garcia has paid off from day one.
Another name in this regard is Arda Guler. Oh, Ancelotti barely gave him a second look. The Turkish youngster was almost invisible under the Brazilian coach, only receiving consistent minutes toward the very end of last season.
But Xabi Alonso has trusted Guler since day one, or rather, day zero, considering he had already wanted to bring him to Bayer Leverkusen before Madrid secured his signature. Alonso understands Guler’s potential and is making smart, effective use of it.
Arda Guler is quickly earning Xabi Alonso’s full trust
Guler’s numbers under Alonso already reflect what he has received, and what he’s capable of giving back with continued trust this season.
In the Club World Cup, Guler has started 3 of the 4 games so far, amassing a total of 250 minutes, something that would’ve been hard to imagine under Ancelotti.
And it’s not just about playing time, he’s backing it up with performance.
In the tournament, according to FotMob, Guler boasts a 90.6% passing accuracy, figures that once came only from the boots of Toni Kroos.
He’s also averaging 3.75 accurate long balls per match, which is excellent for a young midfielder aiming to become a top-tier playmaker.
With 6 chances created and 4 successful crosses, his numbers reflect a decent, if not strong, stint as a winger.
But he’s clearly a better fit in midfield, and his deployment on the wing was largely due to the poor form of Rodrygo. Still, Guler adapted and did quite well there too.
At just 20 years old, Guler is quietly putting together a breakthrough season under Xabi Alonso. It’s clear that even better performances are coming, and honestly, I’m all in. Very hyped for what’s next.