During Real Madrid’s pre-season tour of the United States, there were clear signs of how effective Arda Guler could be this season. He gelled well with new signing Endrick in training on and off the pitch, with the Turkish midfielder and Brazilian striker scoring multiple goals.
But in the fourth training session at the University of Illinois, things took a turn. Güler collided with Antonio Rüdiger and lay on the ground, groaning in pain. There was silence when head coach Carlo Ancelotti blew his whistle to stop the training and the doctors and physiotherapists rushed out to examine the 19-year-old.
The moment was reminiscent of a similar one last summer, when Güler suffered a knee injury during a training session in Los Angeles that required surgery. After being signed from Fenerbahce in July for €20 million (£15 million; $19 million) plus add-ons worth a maximum of €10 million, two further setbacks meant Güler was unable to make his Madrid debut until six months later, in January.
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This time, however, Güler got up as if nothing had happened after staff applied a spray to relieve muscle and joint pain. Madrid could breathe a sigh of relief as there is cautious optimism that this could be the season in which the teenager could make an impression in the Spanish capital after a strong finish to last season.
Sources from Madrid – who, like all those quoted in this article, asked to remain anonymous to protect their relationships – said The athlete that Güler’s physical transformation made a difference.
“He was just a kid when he came here, so it’s normal for him to gain weight as he gets older,” a source said. “It was only a matter of time before he was like this.”
Guler in preseason training (Charly Triballeau/AFP via Getty Images)
During pre-season, Güler appeared stronger in both his lower and upper body, which made it easier for him to withstand strong attacks from defenders – as was the case in Madrid’s 1-0 opening loss to AC Milan in Chicago.
Last year, Güler arrived in Madrid with existing knee problems before tearing the medial meniscus of his right knee while training in LA. He underwent non-invasive surgery but then suffered two more muscle injuries as a result of leg strengthening exercises.
He was injured for 145 days and underwent an individual fitness program. Güler finally made his debut on January 6 in a Copa del Rey match against lower-tier club Arandina and played an important role after Madrid won the La Liga title. He scored six goals in seven La Liga matches from March to May (in 440 minutes), becoming his team’s most efficient goalscorer, scoring a goal every 73 minutes.
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The highlight was a brilliant brace in the penultimate game of the season against Villarreal, which ended 4-4. Sources from the coaching staff highlighted his decision-making and the way he “put his talent at the service of the team”.
Güler had impressed the club’s management and they decided that he should stay despite loan offers from elsewhere. When Getafe showed interest, the Madrid officials turned him down. They knew that he would be an important player in the near future and would continue to develop.
Güler was a key part of the Turkish team that reached the quarter-finals of the European Championship before losing to the Netherlands. In the five games played in Germany, he scored a superb goal against Georgia and provided two assists. But for Madrid, the second half of the season had already had enough.
@theathleticfc Arda Guler has scored as many league goals as Jude Bellingham in 2024. So what’s behind this excellent form? Alex Barker takes a look 🧠 #footballtiktok #soccertiktok #laliga #realmadrid
♬ Original sound – The Athletic FC
At the Supercopa de Espana in Saudi Arabia in January – Spain’s equivalent of the English Community Shield – it was noticeable how Güler withstood strong challenges from Rüdiger in training, although the German central defender struggled to take the ball from him.
Another important step was the surprising resignation of Toni Kroos this summer.
With the versatile Federico Valverde expected to step in and compensate in his absence, the German midfielder has left a gap in the midfield. Ancelotti tested Güler in the USA as an attacking and central midfielder, using him as a playmaker and showing him how to initiate moves for Madrid.
He lost the ball at some points due to a lack of concentration, but overall showed his ability to create chances between the lines. He was expected to start in a central role in Madrid’s New Jersey match against Barcelona, but an injury to Rodrygo meant he had to fill in on the right wing.
The midfielder scored six goals in seven La Liga games from March to May last season (Jose Hernandez/Anadolu via Getty Images)
Güler’s opportunities as a creative player will only improve if Dani Ceballos leaves. The 28-year-old central midfielder has requested a move but Madrid have yet to receive any offers for him. Madrid officials say they have left the door open should a suitable player arrive, but time is running out before the transfer window closes at the end of the month.
Ancelotti showed that he trusts Güler on Madrid’s tour and he is expected to take a step forward this season. The coaching staff showed patience with him and decided not to play him in the third and final game in Charlotte against Chelsea after he and Endrick suffered muscle strains. That day he worked alongside the Brazilian at Charlotte FC’s facilities to strengthen his body.
Patience is key as Guler wants to put the difficulties of last season behind him once and for all.
(Top photo: Ira L. Black – Corbis/Getty Images)
