The match between Real Madrid and Salzburg was a complete display from Xabi Alonso’s side. Despite the chances the Austrian team managed to have, Real Madrid was much more dominant and forceful. Achieving a 3-0 scoreline, Arda Güler was one of the players who surprised Xabi Alonso the most.
Although he’s not a defender, the Turkish player was the Real Madrid footballer who won the most duels against Salzburg. Güler came out on top in 9 duels (9), remaining unstoppable throughout the match. While Güler is a right winger, his move to the center of the field has produced the results Xabi wanted to get from him.
However, Xabi’s surprise shows that he didn’t expect such a quick response from a Güler who’s finally getting minutes. Having played very little under Carlo Ancelotti, Xabi has given him more opportunities to show his worth.
Güler’s great level
Arriving at Real Madrid in the summer of 2023, Arda Güler has gone through several problems at the club. His debut season, in fact, was marked by constant injuries that kept him from playing most of the matches. Even so, in the games where he got minutes, Güler replied with consistent and brilliant goals.
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Despite his clear qualities as an striker, Xabi has managed to unlock his full potential by placing him next to Jude Bellingham. As the coach himself has stated, the three-center-back line is ideal for Güler to have more space in the center of the field.
This flexibility benefits Real Madrid by making the team much more dynamic and allowing them to put more pressure on the opponent. Although Güler used to struggle for minutes in the team, all this has changed with his performance in the Club World Cup.
The pillar for Xabi Alonso
Before the World Cup, Xabi had requested the signing of a midfielder who would help speed up and control the game both with and without the ball. A request that, after seeing Güler’s level, seems to have been forgotten by both Xabi and Real Madrid.