Arda Güler was given a chance against Real Sociedad, but he failed to take the opportunity.
Arda Güler and Endrick are two sides of the same coin. Both started at Anoeta in Real Madrid’s 0-1 win over Real Sociedad, but fate played out differently. One shined, the other faded. The Brazilian once again donned the crown in the Cup, controlling the ball with the outside of his left foot before sending it toward the net. He came close to a second, rattling Remiro’s crossbar. With very little, Endrick did a lot.
Arda, however, experienced a bipolar duel. He started brightly with a long-range effort but gradually faded. From then on, his game was more about hard work than brilliance—more recoveries (three) and aerial duels won (three) than shots (one, none on target), chances created (one), or successful dribbles (zero). More grit than magic.
It felt like a missed opportunity—just as it had in the previous test at Butarque, also in the Cup. That day was an oasis, the only match in the seven prior to San Sebastián where Arda had left a mark. He started, just as he did at Anoeta, but his attacking presence was fleeting once again.
Another game where the Turkish midfielder struggled to rediscover the brilliance that had made him irresistible at the end of last season (six goals in 440 minutes, one every 73′). His current numbers are far from alarming—three goals and five assists in 1,051 minutes—but he has gradually slipped from the spotlight. His last golden opportunities, against Leganés and Real Sociedad, have come and gone.
‘Arda worked very well, helping a lot in defence’
Still, for Ancelotti, less was more at Reale Arena: “Arda worked very well in his position, helping a lot in defence.” His influence may not have been felt in the opposition half, but Carletto nodded approvingly more than once. Satisfied. Because the Italian has no doubts about his No. 15’s talent. He knows the magic wand will spark again. But first, the groundwork must be laid.
Ancelotti has been one of Güler’s biggest advocates from the start. A phone call from the Italian was crucial in securing his signature, ensuring Madrid won the race against multiple suitors. However, admiration does not exempt the young midfielder from expectations—patience and commitment are key.
The coach isn’t concerned that Güler struggled at Anoeta. He would be concerned if the player failed to grasp the message he had sent beforehand: “I read that there’s a ‘Güler problem,’ but there is no case here. It’s a process—for him and for all young players. The same happened with Rodrygo, Vinicius, Valverde… He needs time to integrate into the best squad in the world. Everyone understands that. And those who don’t, need to.” A clear message. A lesson. And a subtle nod of confidence. If Güler wasn’t himself at Anoeta, Ancelotti was still very much Ancelotti.
A demanding stretch lies ahead. Five matches in 15 days—Betis, Rayo, and Villarreal in La Liga, plus a Champions League double-header against Manchester City. These are mountains where minutes will be hard to come by for young players. The immediate goal for Güler? To avoid another spell on the sidelines. It won’t be easy. He has the Fantastic Four and Brahim ahead of him. He knows the challenge. But he is determined to turn the tide, to justify Ancelotti’s faith, and to prove that—despite the growing pains—there is no Güler case.