This season in La Liga, Arda Güler has played in attacking and central midfield roles, as well as at right wing. He has been productive, scoring three times and creating five assists in 11 games in the division.
Güler's form in Spanish soccer's top flight has helped Real Madrid to the top of the league. They are already five points ahead of Barcelona. However, Güler's versatility could now be becoming a weakness for Xabi Alonso's side.
In Real Madrid's 1-0 loss to Liverpool in the Champions League, Güler started as an attacking midfielder alongside Jude Bellingham. However, he drifted about in many different areas of the pitch as the Reds dominated the game and claimed a vital three points. It could have been more than just one goal, if it wasn't for Thibaut Courtois' heroics.
Güler played 81 minutes against the Reds before being replaced by former Liverpool player Trent Alexander-Arnold. Arne Slot's side won 1-0 thanks to a goal from Alexis Mac Allister. As Liverpool has underperformed this season, possibly Alonso underestimated the Reds. This led to his game plan not working as his side suffered defeat at Anfield.
Is Arda Güler too much of a luxury player?
As Güler is a player with flair who is slight and only 5 ft 9, throughout his career, he will be considered a luxury player. This will be especially true if he is not playing well and his team suffers a defeat.
Güler has not been able to replicate his La Liga form in the Champions League this season. In four games in European soccer's premier competition, he has not scored but has made one assist. His assist was in a 5-0 win over Kairat Almaty, and he has not had a goal involvement in matches against Liverpool, Juventus, and Marseille.
Apart from his goal and assist against Atlético Madrid in La Liga this season, Güler has not been able to perform against the really top teams in the division. He did not score or make an assist in matches against the other two teams currently in the top four, Barcelona or Villarreal.
Güler is only 20 years old, and it may be harsh to criticize such a young player who is already a Real Madrid star. However, if the Turkiye international is to be regarded as one of the best players in the world, then he needs to start performing in the biggest games against the best teams.
Real Madrid still has to play Olympiacos, Manchester City, AS Monaco, and Jose Mourinho's Benfica in the Champions League this season. Güler will have a chance in these games to prove his doubters wrong.