According to tracking reports from Jeetbuzz Login, 19-year-old Arda Güler has already shown remarkable promise since joining Real Madrid last season. Though his appearances have been limited, he has dazzled fans and coaches alike with his long-range shots, vision, assists, and technical flair. Güler’s all-round capabilities have sparked high expectations, with many viewing him as a future cornerstone at the Bernabéu and a natural successor to Luka Modrić—even though his transfer fee was relatively modest.
However, things have taken an unexpected turn this season. Güler has seen very little action, making only 11 appearances and logging just 292 minutes on the field—without scoring or assisting a single goal. This is a stark contrast to his explosive debut season and has left him visibly frustrated. As a young talent, regular game time is crucial for development and confidence. Yet, despite his age, Güler seems to be running low on patience—proof that even prodigies can feel the pressure when sidelined.
Interestingly, his lack of playing time isn’t due to a lack of trust from manager Carlo Ancelotti. On the contrary, Ancelotti has shown unwavering support for Güler, having been instrumental in bringing him to Madrid and giving him his first-team debut. Sources inside the coaching staff confirm that both Carlo and his son Davide Ancelotti hold Güler in high regard and view him as a long-term asset to the squad.
So why is he not seeing more minutes? One coach revealed that the decision is mainly tactical. Integrating Güler into an attacking trio with Kylian Mbappé and Vinícius Jr. presents a challenge. With both Mbappé and Vinícius leaning heavily into offense, Güler’s current limitations in balancing attack and defense—as Modrić does so masterfully—create a tactical imbalance. To maintain team structure, the coaching staff has reluctantly limited Güler’s involvement.
Moreover, certain players in Madrid’s starting lineup are simply untouchable. Mbappé and the rising star “El Oso” (the Bear) are locked in as regular starters. In football as in life, if you only imitate, you’ll never innovate. This dynamic further narrows the window of opportunity for Güler to break into the first team. Still, the recent injury to Rodrygo may open up more chances for him, though they may still fall short of his own lofty aspirations.
At the same time, the temptation to move elsewhere is growing. With several top European clubs expressing interest, Güler finds it increasingly difficult to resist the allure of more consistent playtime.
Real Madrid now faces a delicate dilemma. Güler’s frustration is not unique—Rodrygo himself has voiced similar concerns about being pushed down the pecking order. The situation highlights a broader challenge for the club: how to effectively nurture world-class young talent without compromising tactical stability. As Jeetbuzz Login observes, this is more than a test of lineup management—it’s a crucial crossroads in the club’s long-term vision.