Arda Guler saga continues! Real Madrid unhappy with “generational talent” as they question his defensive work-rate and training attitude

Real Madrid’s young prodigy, Arda Güler, has been the subject of intense discussion within the club, as concerns arise over his defensive work-rate and training attitude. Despite his undeniable offensive talents, head coach Carlo Ancelotti has expressed reservations about Güler’s defensive contributions during training sessions. According to internal sources, Ancelotti expects more intensity from the Turkish midfielder in defensive drills and has communicated these expectations directly to Güler.

Güler’s journey at Real Madrid has been a blend of promise and challenges. After a stellar performance in Euro 2024, where he played a pivotal role in leading Turkey to the quarterfinals, Güler cut his vacation short to join Real Madrid’s pre-season training, demonstrating his commitment to the team. However, his transition has not been seamless. Initially deployed as a central midfielder, Güler faced difficulties due to his lack of defensive acumen and positional awareness, leading to a reconsideration of his role on the field.

In response to these challenges, Ancelotti has experimented with positioning Güler on the right wing, a move that has yielded positive results. Operating from the flank, Güler has showcased his creativity and offensive prowess, making significant contributions to the team’s attacking dynamics. Despite these improvements, his overall playing time remains limited, averaging just fifteen minutes per match since the Supercopa de Europa.

The situation has sparked discussions among football analysts and former players. Turkish football experts, including Nihat Kahveci and Tayfun Korkut, have voiced concerns over Güler’s limited opportunities on the field, emphasizing the necessity for regular playing time to foster his development and fully harness his potential.

As Real Madrid navigates a demanding season, the club faces the intricate task of balancing Güler’s integration into the squad with the immediate need for cohesive team performance. The coming months will be crucial in determining whether Güler can adapt to the rigors of top-tier football and fulfill the high expectations that accompany his “generational talent” label.
Arda Güler’s situation at Real Madrid is a classic case of a young, attacking talent needing to adapt to the tactical and physical demands of elite European football. His offensive ability is undeniable, but Ancelotti’s concerns about his defensive work rate highlight an area that could determine his long-term success at the club.

Shifting him to the right wing has been a logical move—allowing him to express his creativity without being overly burdened with central defensive duties. However, his limited playing time remains a concern. Young players need consistent minutes to develop confidence and rhythm, and if Güler continues to struggle for game time, speculation about a potential loan move could intensify.

Do you think Ancelotti should be giving him more minutes now, or is he right to ease Güler in gradually?