Güler faces the litmus test against Atletico

The LaLiga season is starting to ramp up and Real Madrid’s derby against Atlético Madrid today is the perfect test for both the perfect run of Xabi Alonso and the tactical changes the new coach has introduced. One very obvious situation is that of Arda Güler.

The Turk has been essential to this flying start from the white side. By the numbers, it is undeniable. He has started all seven matches, scored against Mallorca and at Anoeta, and set up Mbappé at the Tartiere and the Ciutat de Levante. The underlying data is just as strong. Only Mbappé created more chances, 26 in all, with Arda one behind the French superstar.

But Bellingham’s expected presence alters Güler’s rise. For this derby, Xabi will have to decide between him and Mastantuono, two players who have become starters under the Basque coach. If either plays today it would be a first derby at the Metropolitano, which brings its own weight. “There is always a first time for everything, and we need them to feel it, to live the build-up and the during...,” Xabi said yesterday without giving anything else away.

This is the litmus test for Güler in his new guise. First, whether he keeps his place. And if he does, how he performs while learning a new position with greater responsibilities, a role that by its location carries more tactical risk (as was clear from his error against Marseille) and requires him to demand more of the ball. His national team coach praises that added richness. “Xabi is forcing Arda to do different things,” Montella said publicly three weeks ago.

Güler has one advantage that sets him apart from Mastantuono. Up to now he has been taking charge of set pieces (although the Argentine sits next in the pecking order), but it has yet to show up as a goal from his deliveries. A set-piece guru has, however, joined the Madrid staff. The only goal of that kind this season was scored by Güler himself, a header after a Huijsen knockdown.