Arda Güler: The Sentence That Shocks Everyone After Villarreal, “This Boy Is Not…”

Arda Güler’s struggles at Real Madrid continued during their match against Villarreal on Saturday, raising further concerns about his future at the club. The Turkish midfielder, who was once seen as one of football’s brightest young talents, has yet to establish himself in Carlo Ancelotti’s squad. His lack of game time and impact has led to harsh criticism, with journalist Antonio Romero delivering a brutally honest assessment that has sparked widespread debate.

When Güler arrived at Real Madrid, he was hailed as a generational talent with the technical ability to shine at the highest level. However, despite showing glimpses of brilliance, his integration into the squad has been far from smooth. Injuries and intense competition for places have limited his opportunities, and when he does get a chance, he has struggled to make a lasting impression.

Against Villarreal, Ancelotti handed Güler just seven minutes on the pitch, a timeframe too short to expect a significant contribution. However, his brief appearance included moments of concern, including a poor decision that frustrated Kylian Mbappé and a mistake that almost led to an equalizer for Villarreal. These incidents have only fueled skepticism about his readiness for the top level.

Following the match, Antonio Romero of Cadena SER did not hold back in his assessment. He bluntly stated, “They made a mistake with this boy. Lots of highlights, lots of viral training clips, but playing real football is something else entirely.” His comparison to Luka Modrić was even more damning: “Even retired, with a vegetable farm in Croatia and 70 grandchildren, Modrić would still be better than Arda Güler.”

Such strong words have ignited a debate among Real Madrid fans and football pundits. Some believe the criticism is too harsh for a young player still developing, while others argue that it reflects the reality of his situation at the club. The pressure of playing for Real Madrid is immense, and many young talents struggle to adapt.

Güler’s lack of playing time has been compounded by the return of Brahim Díaz and the continued excellence of Luka Modrić. Dani Ceballos has also stepped up as one of La Liga’s standout midfielders, making it even harder for the Turkish international to find a place in the starting lineup. Since the beginning of 2025, he has barely been part of Ancelotti’s plans.

The frustration from Turkish fans has been growing, as they expected their rising star to play a more prominent role in Madrid’s squad. However, Ancelotti has been reluctant to grant him significant minutes, and when he does play, he has failed to seize the moment.

Güler’s situation is now at a crossroads. His time with Turkey in the UEFA Nations League could be an opportunity to regain confidence and rediscover his form. A strong international showing might improve his chances of convincing Ancelotti to give him more opportunities.

Reports suggest that a summer move to the Bundesliga or Serie A could be on the cards. The Bundesliga, known for nurturing young talents, might provide the playing time and development he needs. Inter Milan has also reportedly shown interest, considering him as a potential addition to their squad.

For many young talents, a change of scenery is often necessary to fulfill their potential. Real Madrid’s high expectations and intense competition make it a difficult environment for emerging players. If Güler remains at the club, he will need to prove he can handle the pressure and improve his performances.

Tactically, his struggles might also be linked to his role in the team. While Güler is best suited as a central playmaker, he has often been deployed on the wing, which does not fully utilize his strengths. This has made it harder for him to impact games effectively.

His case is similar to other young players who have either thrived or failed at Real Madrid. The club has seen promising talents fade away due to limited opportunities, while others have left and flourished elsewhere. The coming months will be crucial in determining which path Güler takes.

Despite the challenges, it is important to remember that Güler is only 20 years old. Development is not always linear, and setbacks are part of a young player’s journey. While his time at Madrid has not gone as planned, he still has the talent to succeed at the highest level.

For now, all eyes will be on his performances with Turkey. If he can shine on the international stage, he might restore some belief in his abilities. However, with his opportunities at Madrid dwindling, a summer transfer might be the best solution.

The debate over his potential will continue, but one thing is clear: Güler needs consistent minutes and confidence to develop. Whether that happens at Real Madrid or another club remains to be seen.