Ancelotti has a ‘crazy’ plan to explode with Arda Güler!

When Arda Güler arrived at Real Madrid from Fenerbahçe for €20 million plus €8 million in bonuses, few doubted his talent—but many questioned how quickly he’d find his place in the most demanding midfield in world football. Now, after a string of promising displays and a standout performance against Getafe, Carlo Ancelotti may have found a new and surprising role for the Turkish prodigy.

Against Getafe, Güler was handed a rare start. But instead of playing in an advanced role as many expected, he was deployed as a central midfielder, more in line with a traditional “number 8.” The result? A match-winning goal and a performance filled with maturity, vision, and tactical intelligence. It didn’t go unnoticed—especially by the man who matters most.

Carlo Ancelotti, speaking after the match, praised Güler’s contribution and hinted at an evolving plan: one that might see the 20-year-old take on a much deeper, more central role in the years to come. For the Italian tactician, it’s no longer just about nurturing Güler’s creative spark—it’s about shaping him into a midfield general in the mold of Toni Kroos.

“He played as an interior midfielder, in his own way, with a lot of quality, ideas, and calmness,” Ancelotti told reporters. “He’s not a player for the double pivot in a 4-4-2, but in a 4-3-3, he can thrive as a relay midfielder. He still needs to grow physically for duels, but the talent is unquestionable.”

Indeed, Güler’s display against Getafe was more than just a flash of brilliance. It was statistical dominance. In just 78 minutes, he completed 77 passes with an accuracy of 88%—numbers that rival even Toni Kroos, who averaged 92% pass completion last season in La Liga. Even more impressive, 29 of those passes were delivered in the opposition half, showcasing a fearless approach to dictating play in high-stakes zones.

It’s a remarkable evolution for a player whose first season in Madrid was plagued by injuries. Though he offered glimpses of promise in late appearances last campaign, this season was expected to be his breakthrough. Yet competition in the final third has been fierce. With stars like Bellingham, Vinícius, and Rodrygo dominating attacking duties, Güler has been limited to just 13 starts across 36 appearances.

Still, in those limited minutes, he’s managed to tally 4 goals and 7 assists—a solid return given his sporadic use. And now, with Ancelotti exploring new ways to unlock his potential, Güler’s long-term prospects look more promising than ever.

There’s a growing sense that Madrid doesn’t just see Güler as a substitute or impact sub. They see him as part of the club’s next great midfield. And the Kroos comparison isn’t just flattery—it’s a blueprint. With the German maestro nearing retirement, Güler may be groomed to inherit the metronome role Kroos has perfected for over a decade.

The similarities are striking. Both possess sublime passing range, impeccable vision, and a calmness under pressure that belies their age. What Güler lacks in physicality for now, he makes up for with technical finesse and game intelligence—traits that Real Madrid’s midfield has always prioritized.

Ancelotti even teased the idea of Güler dropping deeper in the future, saying: “Maybe not yet as a pivot today, but someday, who knows?” It’s a statement that speaks volumes. The Italian coach is known for identifying tactical reinventions that catch opponents off guard—Kaká at Milan, Di María as a midfielder at Real, and now, potentially, Güler as the new Kroos.

What’s most exciting about this plan is its unpredictability. Güler has spent most of his youth career dazzling in advanced roles—drifting between the lines, scoring goals, threading assists. But now, Madrid may be steering him towards a role that emphasizes orchestration over flair, positioning over improvisation.

This transformation won’t be instant. Physical development, defensive awareness, and consistency will all be needed. But if Güler embraces the transition, he could evolve into one of Europe’s most complete midfielders by the time he turns 23.

Already, his numbers back up Ancelotti’s vision. Compared to his earlier games this season, where he averaged just 53 passes per match, his output against Getafe signals a tactical shift. One that isn’t temporary, but deliberate.

Madrid’s fans have seen midfield transitions before—Zidane handing the keys to Modrić and Kroos, Modrić paving the way for Camavinga and Valverde. Now, it might be Güler’s turn to step into history.

And while some may call Ancelotti’s idea “crazy,” Madridistas know that madness and genius often walk hand-in-hand at the Bernabéu.

If Güler continues on this path, the whispers of him being Kroos’ successor won’t just be comparisons—they’ll become expectations. And if anyone can handle that pressure, it’s the boy from Turkey who chose to write his story in white.