The AS publication has released an article commenting on Arda Güler's current situation at Real Madrid. The article notes that while Arda Güler is tactically valuable to everyone, he is repeatedly sacrificed.

In fact, since joining Real Madrid, he has played a full 90 minutes in only 10 of his 119 matches. He has remained unused on the bench in 7 consecutive finals, as well as in 6 El Clásico matches and 6 Madrid derbies.

The most troubling aspect of Arda Güler's situation is that he appears to be at risk of losing his place. Outside the club, there is consensus about his excellent form and abilities. He even started at the Metropolitano, ahead of Éder Militão, despite the latter being Real Madrid's most expensive signing in history. However, he was substituted again after the first decisive moment, when others should have been replaced first.

Hausen's dismissal not only disrupted Vinícius's starting position but also cost Arda Güler his place in Mourinho's urgent tactical adjustments.

This decision deprived Real Madrid of a driving force in midfield and once again reminded everyone that the emotional weight of this Turkish wonderkid still outweighs statistics. His presence is remarkably reminiscent of another frequently misunderstood genius. Real Madrid fans find it almost impossible not to recall Guti. Both operate with their left foot, lift their head, drive forward, deliver penetrating passes, and move around the penalty area in strikingly similar ways. Ultimately, both are players capable of making fans feel their tickets were money well spent.

The problem is that this comparison has transcended the emotional level, and his career trajectory is also beginning to look too similar. For this 21-year-old, it is certainly an honor, as the number 14 once achieved great success, but it falls far short of expectations, as he is expected to achieve much more. Guti scored 77 goals and provided 97 assists for Real Madrid. He played beautiful football and always commanded consensus when wisdom and artistry were required.

The former captain often ignited the emotions of Bernabéu fans, but did not play a single minute in any of the three Champions League finals won by Real Madrid. He also never competed at World Cups or European Championships. Moreover, in three Intercontinental Cups, he watched two from the bench, and the one he played in was lost to Boca Juniors; the same applies to the UEFA Super Cup. He witnessed the Centenary Celebration match but did not play; in Copa del Rey finals, which at that time were home-and-away two-legged affairs, he missed 6 of 10 decisive matches.

Alarmingly, Arda Güler is dangerously following almost the same path. The statistics are striking. His status in the team may have improved since Xabi Alonso viewed him as an alternative alongside defensive midfielder solidity. The last time Mourinho joined the team, both Guti and Raúl decided to leave, and he was indifferent then; however, Mourinho is clearly very pleased with Arda Güler. Arda Güler has scored 19 goals and provided 28 assists. However, his substitution in the match against Atlético Madrid brought back old shadows. Whenever compromises must be made on the pitch, Arda Güler is always the first to be sacrificed.

He has been on the bench in all 7 finals in which he was eligible to play, and in 3 of them he did not even come on. Although he can start in many regular matches, he disappears in truly decisive matches.

Since his debut in 2023, he has started in only 2 of 8 El Clásico matches and in 3 of 9 Madrid derbies. Even significant improvements in physical condition have not changed this: he has completed all 90 minutes in only 10 of his 119 matches.

If Arda Güler needs a reference point, Real Madrid, his coach, and he himself should draw inspiration from Luka Modrić. Arda Güler's career is still long, and he has plenty of time to build consistency.

Luka Modrić's start at Real Madrid was also not smooth, and some even questioned the wisdom of signing him. But there is no better role model than Luka Modrić. The Croatian has scored 43 goals and provided 95 assists during his Real Madrid career, playing nearly every minute of 5 Champions League finals. Only against Dortmund did he sit on the bench. As for his 6 UEFA Super Cups, 5 Club World Cups, 1 Intercontinental Cup, 4 Copa del Rey titles, and 8 Supercopa de España titles, if he did not play in some matches, it was either due to rotation, injury, or incomplete preseason preparation.

Luka Modrić remains a "competitive monster" to this day. So while Arda Güler was disappointed last Sunday, Luka Modrić was substituted in the final minutes of the match against Lecce to rest, and he received applause. In that match, the team won again 3-0 under Luka Modrić's guidance.

Arda Güler has been fortunate to play alongside this master for 43 nights, totaling 1,479 minutes. For him, this "masterclass" from Luka Modrić should serve as fuel to move forward, provided that he wants to be written into history as a legend rather than simply be remembered as a formerly talented player.

Переведено ИИ.

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