Analysis: How important should Arda Guler be for Real Madrid this season?

There has been plenty of talk surrounding Real Madrid’s possible line-up for the 2024-25 season, with Carlo Ancelotti having to decide how best to play Vinicius Junior and Kylian Mbappe together. A 4-3-3 with Rodrygo Goes on the right seems the likeliest option, although the 4-4-2 from the previous campaign could also be used, which would see an extra midfielder utilised over the Brazilian attacker.

When people draw up their ideal line-up for Real Madrid, very few would seem to include Arda Guler. The teenager had a tough start to life in the Spanish capital following his move from Fenerbahce last summer, but he came into his own during the final few months of last season – at one stage, he looked like one of the best players in La Liga.

Despite this, the expectation is that he would begin the new season as a starter. But is this fair, and how important should Guler be to Real Madrid – especially when taking into account a possible sale?

Defensa Central have claimed that Newcastle United are prepared to offer €80m for Guler – which would represent a significant profit for Real Madrid after only one year. However, the report also states that club bosses have no intention whatsoever of considering any offers for the Turkish starlet.

It goes without saying that Real Madrid should not sell Guler under any circumstances. At 19, he is the future of the 15-time Champions League winners, and it’s testament to his quality that he is more than capable of being a starter at some an early age. He will probably have to bide his time again this season, but there’s no doubt that he will become one of Los Blancos’ most important players in the coming years.

There’s scope to say that Guler was better than Rodrygo last season, especially when comparing their respective minutes. However, it should also be noted that the latter is not a natural right winger – his preference is on the left, where Vinicius and Mbappe are currently first and second choices.

Taking this into account, it could make more sense for Guler to play on the right wing for Real Madrid, especially as he is a perfect fit for the position. It would be harsh on Rodrygo, although it does underline the ridiculous attacking options that Ancelotti has at his disposal for the 2024-25 campaign.

It will be interesting to see how Guler’s situation develops over the next 12 months. By next summer, he could easily be a nailed starter for Real Madrid – it would not be a surprise, anyway.

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