The statistical observation is implacable: Kylian Mbappé made a thunderous debut at Real Madrid, scoring goals at a breakneck pace (he would remain in 11 consecutive matches with at least one goal scored). He is the clinical finisher, the global superstar come to secure trophies. However, in the hearts of observers and in the columns of Spanish newspapers, another name arouses even greater fascination. Another prodigy, more discreet but just as brilliant, is conquering Spain with his creativity and his playing intelligence. His name: Arda Güler. And he is stealing the spotlight from his illustrious teammate.
Guti, Xavi, Özil… The Spanish press is enthusiastic about the Turkish prodigy
Where Mbappé's performances are expected and almost normalized, those of Arda Güler provoke unanimous enthusiasm. The Spanish press is full of praise for the man they consider to be the true creative spark of Real. The most prestigious comparisons are flying: former Madrid legend Guti said that Güler wast “the player closest to his style of play”. Other analysts see him as a mixture of Xavi and Iniesta, or even an heir to Mesut Özil for his vision of the game and his quality of last pass. References which, in Spain, carry extremely heavy weight and bear witness to the seduction of the young Turk.
More than a teammate, Mbappé’s “brain”?
However, the understanding between the two men on the ground is exceptional. Güler has already delivered four assists to Mbappé this season, and their connection seems almost telepathic.
“Our qualities are made for each other. We understand each other very well, sometimes a look is enough,”
Güler recently told The Team. But even in this description, it is the intelligence of the Turk that stands out. He positions himself as Mbappé's “socio VIP” (VIP partner), the one who understands and sublimates the Frenchman's game, even going so far as to defend him in the face of criticism about his travels:
“When he picks up, it’s up to me to take his place. »
Güler, the man who understands and enhances Mbappé's game
How Xabi Alonso transformed the young prospect
This explosion of Arda Güler owes a lot to the arrival of Xabi Alonso. After a complicated adaptation period under Carlo Ancelotti, the new coach immediately made the Turk a centerpiece of his system by repositioning him in the center. Absolute confidence, to which is added an impressive physical transformation (+8 kg of muscle mass), which allowed the prodigy to go from joker status to that of indisputable holder. He has become the true regulator of the Madrid game.
The creator outshines the finisher
In conclusion, if Kylian Mbappé is Real Madrid's goal machine, it is Arda Güler who has conquered hearts and minds in Spain. Through his technical elegance, his tactical intelligence and his humility, he embodies a creative and thoughtful football that fascinates the press and purists. In a country that has always idolized great midfielders, the Turkish creator is eclipsing the French finisher in the battle for image and seduction. He may not score as much, but he plays, he thinks, he delights. And in Spain, that is perhaps the most important thing.
