Toni Kroos may have stepped away from the pitch, but his influence at Real Madrid still resonates. The legendary German midfielder recently shared his thoughts on the club’s future and, in doing so, highlighted a name that has taken many by surprise. As the club continues to evolve and usher in a new era, Kroos identified Arda Güler—the young Turkish talent wearing the number 15 shirt—as a potential heir to his role in the midfield.
What makes Kroos’s endorsement particularly striking is that Güler is not a recent acquisition brought in with high expectations, but rather a player who had already been at the club, quietly working hard for his opportunity. Under the previous regime led by Carlo Ancelotti, Güler struggled to earn consistent playing time, often overshadowed by more established names in the squad. However, the arrival of Xabi Alonso at the helm has sparked a revival in Güler’s career, giving him the platform to showcase his true potential.
According to Kroos, Güler possesses not just technical flair but also the intangible qualities that define a world-class midfielder. He praised the young playmaker’s mature mentality, his hunger to improve, and his exceptional left foot, which has become a key asset in Real Madrid’s build-up play. These attributes, Kroos believes, position Güler as a natural successor capable of continuing the legacy that Kroos himself helped build over the past decade.
And it’s not just words—Güler has backed up the praise with performances. So far this season, he has directly contributed to seven goals across La Liga and the UEFA Champions League, quickly establishing himself as one of the most influential players in the squad. His creativity, vision, and composure under pressure have not gone unnoticed by fans and pundits alike.
Xabi Alonso, who has shown great faith in the 20-year-old, appears committed to building a midfield around him as part of Real Madrid’s broader generational transition. Güler’s rise comes at a crucial time for the club, as it seeks to maintain dominance both domestically and in Europe while evolving into a new footballing identity.
President Florentino Pérez’s long-term vision for Real Madrid includes a careful balance between experience and youth, and Güler’s emergence seems to align perfectly with this plan. With the backing of a legend like Kroos, the trust of his manager, and the numbers to prove his worth, Arda Güler is quickly becoming one of the most exciting figures in Real Madrid’s next chapter.
If his trajectory continues, the Turkish star could very well be the centerpiece of the club’s midfield for years to come—a symbol of the future, shaped by the legacy of the past.
