Arda Guler is hoping to seize the opportunity in Real Madrid’s Copa del Rey clash against Leganes, as reported by Manuel Amor (h/t RM4 Arab).
The Turkish player has had a challenging start to his time at the club. Despite scoring two goals in the Cup, Guler has largely disappeared from the spotlight.
He has played the same number of minutes this season as Dani Carvajal, who has been sidelined due to injury for the past four months.
Now, with key players like Jude Bellingham and Kylian Mbappe absent, Guler sees an opening to enter the starting lineup and prove his worth.
Tough time for Guler
In the last 12 matches, he has only started once, against the lower-league side Minera. As a result, he has dropped to 18th in the minutes played table, which reflects his lack of consistent playing time.
The current tactical setup of the team, which is based on a 4-2-3-1 formation, leaves little room for rotation in attack.
There are four key players who rarely miss out on starting positions, and if one is absent, such as Vinicius Jr.’s recent injury, Brahim Diaz is typically the first choice to step in.
Guler, unfortunately, has not found the rhythm he needs to secure regular minutes and has often been brought on when the game is already decided. This lack of continuity has made his situation at Madrid more difficult.
Still adapting?
The young Turkish forward is still adapting to the reality of being part of a star-studded squad. His competitive nature, which sometimes leads to frustration during training, reflects his desire to improve.
He is yet to come to terms with the shift from being the main man at his former club to finding himself in a more secondary role at Madrid.
However, the club sees immense potential and believes that he is a generational talent. Real Madrid are confident that he has room to grow.
Guler’s progress this season is noticeable. He is physically stronger and more mature compared to last year when frustration often led him to tears after training sessions.
His improved fitness, particularly in the gym, has helped him look more ready to make an impact. His confidence in the locker room has also grown; he is no longer the shy player who first arrived.
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