Güler has scored 2 of Real Madrid's last 4 direct free-kick goals. He has been the team's best performer this season so far.

Real Madrid has found a gem. The club has lacked a dead-ball specialist for several years, and Güler (21) has stepped up to take direct free-kicks, becoming a major asset for Los Blancos. In recent years, the departures of Ronaldo, Bale, Ramos, Isco, and Kroos left Real Madrid without an elite free-kick taker. Güler returned to the starting lineup following an impressive display against Rayo Vallecano. In the 25th minute, the Turkish winger scored with a spectacular free-kick. This goal ended Real Madrid's longest direct free-kick drought in La Liga history: 120 consecutive official matches without a direct free-kick goal.

To find the last occurrence, one must go back to Matchday 37 of the 2022-23 season, when Rodrygo scored the first of his two goals against Sevilla from a direct free-kick. Over the last four seasons, including this one, Real Madrid has scored just 4 goals this way, with 2 coming from Güler. Now, alongside Trent, he has become one of the team's primary free-kick takers.

What is even more striking is that home fans had not seen Real Madrid score a direct free-kick at the Bernabéu for years: since the 2018-19 Champions League match against Roma, the Bernabéu had not celebrated a direct free-kick goal from the home team. However, with Güler in the squad, this drought may soon end. Beyond his technical ability, Güler's overall performance has made him integral to the team's operations, though Mourinho downplayed his importance after Real Madrid's away match against Elche: "Güler is not absolutely essential. No one is absolutely essential. We lost control when making substitutions. Vinicius played very well defensively and was very tired. Güler played as a number 10, and his running intensity also dropped."

Against Atlético Madrid, Bellingham's return to the starting lineup will likely force the Turkish winger back to his usual right-wing position this season. Last season, after the English midfielder recovered from a shoulder injury, Güler was also benched in the first derby of this season. Fate (or perhaps misfortune) led to Real Madrid's first major defeat of the season and marked the beginning of Xabi Alonso's tenure as Real Madrid manager. It is hoped that Mourinho will not make the same decision on Sunday, so that Güler, who is "not absolutely essential," will become a key figure in the Portuguese coach's tactical approach.

Diterjemahkan oleh AI.

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