Guler's Quiet Revolution: Madrid's New Midfield Maestro and the Mbappe Link

Guler's Humility and Rapid Growth

Arda Guler, Real Madrid's rising Turkish midfielder, has stayed grounded as he shines this season, insisting the European title he helped win with the club was a team achievement, not a single contribution.

In an interview with the French newspaper LEquipe, he compared himself and Mbappe with Ronaldo and Ozil, noting that real success comes from a complete team, not a couple of star names.

He added that his talent and Mbappe's complement each other; they understand each other well and sometimes discuss pregame plans on what to do.

When he joined Real Madrid, he knew he was joining the biggest team in the world. From the first training session he felt he had the ability to thrive here, with no doubt about his future.

Head Scout Jonny Calafat laid out the plan from day one: the first year would be tough for a young player, but he arrived prepared to learn and compete to replace greats like Luka Modric and Toni Kroos.

Guler says he earned respect in late practice shooting sessions, which makes it easier to demand the ball in tight moments near the penalty area. He also emphasizes the need to respect the club and teammates, even when rivals foul near the box, letting others take the shot when appropriate.

Regarding the former coach Carlo Ancelotti, Guler calls him one of the greatest managers in history, and says Ancelotti spoke highly about his potential. He credits Ancelotti's support and notes the tough times only sharpened his ambition.

Madrid reportedly considers rewarding Guler for his early-season form, with talks of extending his contract to 2031 and raising his salary from 2.6 million to 4.5 million euros per year, given he maintains his level. In ten appearances this season, he has three goals and four assists, contributing to roughly a goal every 1.3 games.

According to Fbref, the Turkish international is among the top pass creators in La Liga with twenty-two key passes and among the leaders in chances created ending in a shot.

Coach Xabi Alonso praised his progress, saying he is advancing with big steps, not only thanks to talent but also to his understanding of the role, balance, rhythm, and link play.

The growing understanding between Guler and Mbappe has become a hallmark of Real Madrid’s new look, with five goals this season arising from their chemistry. Guler has four assists to Mbappe’s one assist in this partnership.

Guler’s pace, vision and premeditated runs combine with Mbappe’s pace behind the defense, making them a front-line duo likely to spearhead Real Madrid’s attacking identity under Alonso.

Football analytics firm CIES notes Guler is among the best under-21 players in two key metrics: ball retention under pressure and through-ball creation per 90 minutes, underscoring his maturity beyond his years. This nurturing form supports Madrid’s long-term plan to rebuild the creative heart of the team.

Spanish papers today call him the "future maestro," blending intelligence, composure and audacity, and turning into the club’s midfield heartbeat after the departures of Modric and Kroos.

On winning the Champions League, Guler says the trophy was not his alone and that the team is on the right track with Mbappe and Alonso; he believes they will be ready when the time comes for another Grand Prize.

Asked about Mbappe, he says the Frenchman should play wherever he feels free; Mbappe’s freedom suits the team’s philosophy, and when he shifts roles, Guler adapts and covers the space.

With his calm, growth and tactical awareness, Arda Guler appears set to become a symbol of Real Madrid’s new generation and the rightful heir to the midfield throne.

Punchline 1: If Guler keeps threading passes like this, the goals will start paying rent to Madrid.

Punchline 2: In football, Guler is so precise that even the GPS asks for his routes.