Newsletters
Real Madrid’s newly appointed head coach Alvaro Arbeloa has named Turkish midfielder Arda Guler as the central playmaker in the club’s revised tactical formation.
The change is expected to be implemented in the upcoming Copa del Rey Round of 16 match against Albacete, which will kick off at 8.00 p.m. GMT, sports daily AS suggested.
Guler, 20, is expected to take on a more advanced midfield role than he held under former coach Xabi Alonso, playing alongside Jude Bellingham and just behind a front three of Vinicius Jr., Gonzalo, and Mastantuono in the upcoming match.
Despite being a regular starter in the first half of the season—beginning in 17 of the first 19 matches—Guler saw reduced minutes later under Alonso, appearing as a substitute in nine of the next 13 games and missing the final three entirely, including both Super Cup matches.
With Arbeloa’s appointment, the Turkish international is now expected to reclaim a pivotal role in midfield. Arbeloa is reportedly tasking Guler with orchestrating the team’s offensive play, similar to the role once held by Luka Modric, whom the club sees Guler as potentially succeeding.
Arbeloa was appointed following Madrid’s 3-2 Super Cup loss to Barcelona, replacing Xabi Alonso after less than eight months in charge. Alonso, who took over from veteran coach Carlo Ancelotti in June, left with the club second in La Liga, four points behind Barcelona.
Transferred to Real Madrid in July 2023 from Istanbul club Fenerbahce for €20 million ($23.3 million), Arda Guler ended 2025 as the first Turkish international to reach a €90 million transfer valuation on Transfermarkt.
Set as preferred source
2 min read
