Guler: Learning from legends, preparing for future opportunities at Real Madrid

• Arda Guler has had limited playing time due to a pre-season injury
• He has displayed frustration at not playing more
• Guler may be sent on loan next season

Guler is a nineteen-year-old Turkish professional footballer who plays as a midfielder for La Liga club Real Madrid and is currently frustrated as he has limited playtime with the club after returning from a pre-season injury.

The situation is a bit complex as the club is trying to manage the situation, but several challenges have cropped up. Due to a pre-season injury, the talented youngster has played on limited time this season and the presence of established players in his position affects both the club and the player.

When Real Madrid signed him, they expected him to give an impressive performance as the club is a competitive squad. It was more of a performance basis rather than his development and this could be so disappointing if he fails to perform though the club also avoids putting pressure on him since they understand that he is still learning.

Madrid is a team that demands success and as much as they are into Guler’s future, they also need to prioritize winning in the present, a situation that can create a dilemma when deciding on whether to play established players or give opportunity to young talents like Guler.

The player suffered an injury on his knee during Real Madrid’s pre-season training session in the United States. He could however leave the club on loan in the ongoing transfer window.

Arda Guler Biography

Arda Guler was born on February 25 in Altindag, Ankara, Turkey where he started playing football at a young age for Genclerbirligi’s youth academy. His impressive performance at the academy won him a place with Fenerbahce’s youth academy.

Arda Guler. Photo/Just Arsenal

Two years at the academy, he signed a professional contract with the club and made a first-team debut in the Europa League the same year. In his first season with the club, he made a significant impact scoring 3 goals and providing 4 assists in 12 Super Lig appearances.

The following year, he signed a contract extension with the club, scored two goals in the opening match and also won the Turkish Cup in 2023 and was named the tournament’s best player.

His rise to prominence was brought by a move to Real Madrid who signed him and he became one of the most expensive young players in Turkish football history. He made his debut for the club in 2023 but has limited time due to a pre-season injury and the presence of established players in his position.

The forward has represented Turkey at various youth levels, rising to the U21 team and making his senior international debut for his country at the age of seventeen, becoming the youngest player to ever score for the national team in June of that year.

Guler at Real Madrid

The forward’s time at Real Madrid has been fascinating though it has also been limited. He has shown a glimpse of his talent but his overall impact has been minimal due to some factors. His biggest hurdle has been securing time, since he suffered a knee injury during pre-season, hindering his development and integration into the squad.

Real Madrid has a strong midfield team and breaking into the starting lineup is challenging for a young player who is still adapting to a new club and league. Despite limited playing time, he displayed his talent during appearances.

Arda Guler. Photo/The Madrid Zone

In his debut against FC Barcelona in the Spanish Super Cup, he showed his ability to control the ball under pressure and create opportunities for his teammates, receiving praise from the club’s manager Carlo Ancelotti.

Guler’s Future at Real Madrid is unpredictable

While Real Madrid believes in his potential, they are also on the task of managing his development carefully to avoid putting undue pressure on him. However, managing his needs with the team’s immediate goals will be crucial and a loan spell in a less competitive environment could be considered.

Ultimately, his success at Real Madrid will depend on his ability to adapt to the team’s system, completely impress when given opportunities and demonstrate patience while learning from established players.