In a season that was expected to see a drop-off in Real Madrid’s midfield creativity, Turkish international Arda Güler has quickly emerged as a pivotal figure, filling the void left by the departure of veteran stars like Luka Modric.
The 20-year-old’s impressive start to the campaign has him leading all players in Europe’s top five leagues for chances created.
While Real Madrid’s attack has seamlessly transitioned with the likes of Vinicius Jr., Rodrygo Goes, and Kylian Mbappé leading the line, the midfield has faced a significant challenge in replacing the influence of Toni Kroos and Modric.
However, under the new management of Xabi Alonso, Güler is flourishing in a more central role, gaining both more playing time and greater confidence.
Over Real Madrid’s first two matches alone, Güler has created a staggering ten chances for his teammates—eight against Real Oviedo and two in the La Liga opener against Osasuna – as reported by Madrid Universal (via Squawka).
This remarkable output places him at the top of the European charts, surpassing elite playmakers such as Ousmane Dembélé of Paris Saint-Germain and Raphinha of Barcelona.
Güler’s impact has not gone unnoticed. In the game against Real Oviedo, he created double the number of chances as the next-best player, Federico Valverde.
His ability to break down defenses with incisive passes and provide consistent attacking options has established him as a key “line-breaker” in Alonso’s new system.
Güler’s performance signals a new era for Real Madrid’s midfield, which had struggled with creativity following the transitions.
His development will be a key storyline to watch throughout the season as he aims to solidify his position as a crucial part of the club’s future.