Ancelotti prepares Arda Guler to surpass Real Madrid star Luka Modric
Arda Guler of Real Madrid in action during the La Liga week 2 football match between Real Madrid and Real Valladolid, Madrid, Spain, August 25, 2024. (AA Photo)
Real Madrid’s 3-0 win against Real Valladolid on August 25, 2024, featured 19-year-old Arda Guler in the starting lineup, who is expected to become a Real Madrid star soon.
Carlo Ancelotti, Real Madrid’s head coach, chose to start Guler over veteran Luka Modric, signaling a shift in the club’s approach to nurturing younger talent.
“I was undecided between Arda and Brahim Diaz, but starting Arda in our home game seemed more beneficial for him,” Ancelotti explained.
Guler played for 69 minutes, contributing significantly before being substituted.
Ancelotti’s decision underlines his strategy of giving young players like Guler the experience they need to develop at Real Madrid.
Real Madrid shifts focus on youth with Arda Guler, Brahim Diaz
The match against Real Valladolid not only secured three points for Real Madrid but also demonstrated a shift in the club’s focus toward youth development.
With Real Madrid’s growing emphasis on integrating younger players, it seems less likely that the 38-year-old Luka Modric will feature prominently, especially in light of Jude Bellingham’s recent injury.
Modric has shown signs of fatigue during full matches, which could hinder his ability to keep up with Real Madrid’s fast-paced style of play. This situation might open the door for younger players like Arda Guler to step up in the coming games.
“Arda and Brahim must gradually gain minutes to adapt to the team,” Ancelotti noted, indicating a focus on building the future of Real Madrid around emerging talents.
This decision might surprise some, given Modric’s long-standing contributions, but Ancelotti seems determined to prepare the team for long-term success by investing in youth. The shift suggests a future where players like Guler and Diaz will play central roles.
Carlo Ancelotti’s vision for Arda Guler to become the new Real Madrid star
Ancelotti’s approach to Guler’s development reflects his broader strategy for the club’s future. “Real Madrid’s level requires consistent development, and Guler is on that path,” he said, emphasizing the importance of nurturing Guler’s potential.
As the season progresses, Ancelotti’s focus on integrating younger players like Guler will likely shape his tenure. This strategy, which may come at the expense of sidelining veterans like Modric, indicates a clear vision for Real Madrid’s future.
For Guler, it presents an opportunity to become a crucial part of the team’s evolution.
