Xabi Alonso Stuns Real Madrid with Bold Demand Regarding Arda Güler
In a surprising move shortly after taking the helm at Real Madrid, new head coach Xabi Alonso made a bold request to the club’s board: he wants Arda Güler to have a guaranteed, central role in the team.
Following a highly successful stint at Bayer Leverkusen, where he led the team to a German title, Alonso succeeded Carlo Ancelotti and inherited a squad filled with elite talent. But among all the stars, Alonso has zeroed in on Güler — a 20-year-old Turkish midfielder whose time in Madrid so far has been limited due to injuries and a lack of playtime under Ancelotti.
Alonso’s condition — described as unprecedented in the club’s history — is not just about giving Güler more minutes. According to club sources, he has demanded that Güler be a guaranteed starter in his preferred 4-3-3 formation, making him a cornerstone of the team’s midfield. This move hints at Güler being seen as a long-term successor to Luka Modrić, whose contract is set to expire after the Club World Cup.
The request has sparked debate inside and outside the club. Real Madrid already boasts a world-class midfield including Jude Bellingham, Federico Valverde, Aurélien Tchouaméni, and Eduardo Camavinga. Integrating Güler into this mix, especially as a guaranteed starter, presents challenges — especially with new signings like Trent Alexander-Arnold and emerging prospects like Franco Mastantuono.
Still, Alonso’s vision seems clear. Just as he helped develop Florian Wirtz into a star at Leverkusen, he sees similar potential in Güler. Reports from Spanish media say Alonso considers Güler “untouchable,” pushing back against rumors of a loan move to clubs like Juventus or Inter.
Despite concerns within the club about giving such a big role to a relatively unproven player, Alonso’s track record gives weight to his confidence. Güler had a solid previous season — scoring 5 goals and providing 9 assists in 42 appearances, though mostly against lower-tier opponents.
Real Madrid President Florentino Pérez and the board reportedly support Alonso’s long-term vision, especially as the club seeks to rebuild after a trophyless season. The pursuit of young talents like Mastantuono also suggests faith in Alonso’s ability to manage a deep and talented squad.
Ultimately, Alonso’s demand marks a turning point for the club. By centering his project around a young, rising star like Güler, he’s signaling a new era — one that embraces bold decisions and the development of youth. Whether this gamble pays off remains to be seen, but for now, Arda Güler stands at the heart of Real Madrid’s future under Xabi Alonso.
