Real Madrid boss Xabi Alonso has shown real faith in Arda Guler since the start of the 2025/26 season.
Guler was used sparingly in his first two campaigns under Carlo Ancelotti with the veteran coach frequently admitting to uncertainty over his readiness to compete at the top level.
After making four La Liga starts in 2023/24, and 14 last season, the Turkey international has flourished under Alonso and featured in all nine league matches so far - including seven starts.
That consistency has yielded results, as part of Alonso's remoulding of the Los Blancos attack, with three goals and four assists.
Alonso has refreshed Ancelotti's starting XI with younger names including Guler, Franco Mastantuono and Brahim Diaz - with the latter also overlooked by the former boss.
Those changes have seen Rodrygo Goes slip down the pecking order - amid rumours he could leave Madrid in 2026 - with Guler tasked as the creative force in behind Kylian Mbappe.
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Ahead a key UEFA Champions League clash with Juventus, Alonso is prepared to start Guler, and stated the 20-year-old reminds him of two former Real Madrid magic men.
"With Ozil, it's not just about where they come from. It's about the quality he has, he's a mix of Ozil and Guti," as per quotes from Mundo Deportivo.
"Guti had that quality to play in the build up and be close to the striker, making the final pass isn't easy With Mesut, I really enjoyed playing with him. The more we see of Arda, the better he gets.
"But, we have to keep pushing him, supporting him, but we're very happy with his maturity and the weight he's gaining in the team."
Real Madrid have won eight of their nine La Liga games in 2025/26, and lead Barcelona by two points ahead their El Clasico meeting on October 26, with two wins from two in the UCL.
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