Arda Guler has been one of the only bright sparks for Real Madrid in the start of Alvaro Arbeloa’s tenure as manager.
Things have looked bleak at Santiago Bernabeu lately. First, an apparent break-up between former manager Xabi Alonso and a few key members of the squad. Then his sacking and a humiliating defeat to second-tier side Albacete in the Copa del Rey round of 16.
As a result, Los Blancos were welcomed by fans with boos when hosting Levante last Saturday in LaLiga. The current environment certainly plays a part in what happens in the pitch and has led to a lot of rigidness, lack of confidence and courage from the players.
But it doesn’t mean there aren’t tactical points to discuss following Arbeloa’s appointment.
Why Arda Guler might be the key to unlocking Real Madrid’s attack under Arbeloa
Creativity in midfield
Arbeloa has gone with a base 4-3-3 in-possession in both his games so far. But both his line-ups severely lacked creativity, whether it’s through passing or carrying.
Luckily for him, Arda Guler provides both. In all fairness, his form had dipped before and Xabi Alonso dropping him from the starting XI is somewhat justifiable. He started on the bench in four of the club’s last five games – the same as the previous 25 this season combined.
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There is a discussion to be had regarding whether the former manager was actually getting the best out of Guler. Ever since Jude Bellingham returned from injury, we rarely saw the two of them playing well together. Towards the end of his tenure, Alonso chose to go with the Englishman. But that is a different topic for another time.
Madrid may have played poorly in the last two games, but generating chances was far from being the main problem. At least while Guler was on the pitch.
Real Madrid recorded 40 shots in this period when the Turkish midfielder was playing. He assisted a whoping 33% of those attempts (13/40). The closest teammates in this regard over the last two matches are Vinicius Jr (6) and Federico Valverde (4).
Against Levante alone, he created eight chances – after coming on as a substitute at half-time. He completely changed a tense and nervous game for the better. Boos were a little lighter as they scored and it became a slightly better environment in the stadium.
The difference he makes in midfield when compared to what Aurelien Tchouameni, Eduardo Camavinga and Jude Bellingham provide is clear as day. The same goes for Valverde when he plays in the second line.
Set piece master
He also brings great impact on set pieces. That had always been a ‘super-power’ of his since the Fenerbahce days.
This department has been one of the main talking points in the Premier League this season. The return of long throws and the rise in set piece goals overall is nostalgic for some and ugly for others. But it’s undeniable how it has changed games this year.
In just two games (and 135 minutes) under Arbeloa, Guler created 7 chances from set pieces – including two assists. His corners met Gonzalo Garcia vs Albacete and Raul Asencio vs Levante to give Madrid a goal.
That is a greater number of chances created from dead balls than what he had managed in his previous 15 games combined under Alonso (6).
And for those wondering if that’s all he brings, the answer is no. The remaining six chances created over the last two matches were in open play – the same as his previous seven games combined.
Set pieces are sort of a separate world within football matches. ‘Big’ teams usually rely on them to unlock tricky matches, since breaking down low-blocks has become an increasingly difficult task. But it can also help Real Madrid navigate a turbulent period in off-the-field matters too – and Arda Guler is their main weapon for that.
The same applies for any other manifestation of creativity, especially with Rodrygo constantly in and out due to injuries, Vinicius Jr lacking confidence and the types of midfielders in the squad.
Leaning on Guler’s main strengths could be just what they need to get through these tough times. It certainly worked last time around against Levante and it could be the same going forward – short-term, at least.