Is Arda Güler's playing time at Real Madrid in jeopardy?

Real Madrid's young star Arda Güler had managed to become an indispensable part of the squad shortly after Xabi Alonso took over as head coach. However, the fact that the young player started on the bench for the first time in the 2-0 La Liga victory against Espanyol has raised questions.

While the reason for the national player remaining on the bench during this critical period of the season has become clear, the potential effects of new transfers and tactical shifts on the minutes Arda will spend on the pitch are being debated.

According to prominent commentary in the Spanish press, football authority Julio Maldonado “Maldini” pointed out that Jude Bellingham's return from injury would reshape Real Madrid's midfield preferences. Maldini stated, “When Bellingham is ready for the derby, one player will have to wait on the sidelines in the squad structure. In my opinion, that name will be Arda Güler. Arda has great potential, but with Bellingham's return to the pitch, we could see a significant decrease in his minutes. This decision seems logical in terms of technical requirements and team balance.”

Head coach Xabi Alonso also said after the match, “Bellingham and Arda Güler's roles are very similar, but they can also play together. Arda can build the connection from deeper, while Jude plays in a more advanced position,” not completely ruling out the possibility of the two players playing together.

As the footsteps of tactical change are heard, it is suggested that Xabi Alonso plans to return to the classic 4-3-3 formation, especially with Bellingham's return. In this case, Arda Güler's place in the starting 11 could be at risk.

Despite the trust the national footballer has received from the head coach, the changes that will occur in the formation of the starting eleven at Real Madrid in the coming weeks seem likely to closely affect the young player's performance and playing time.