Rio Ferdinand warns Xabi Alonso: “The player Real Madrid needs…”

Real Madrid’s season has turned into one of the most disappointing in recent memory, and voices from across the football world are weighing in on what went wrong. One of the most notable is former Manchester United captain and football pundit Rio Ferdinand, who didn’t hold back in his latest remarks. With Real Madrid set for a managerial transition, Ferdinand has made it clear: Xabi Alonso will need to act fast—and smart.

After lifting both the La Liga and Champions League trophies last season, Real Madrid were expected to continue their dominance. Instead, the team crumbled under pressure this campaign. Their defense suffered blow after blow due to injuries, and the departure of several veterans—most notably Toni Kroos and Nacho Fernandez—left gaping holes in leadership and tactical control.

From an outsider’s perspective, the decline may look dramatic, but for Ferdinand, the problem is crystal clear. Real Madrid, he says, are lacking a brain in midfield—someone to dictate play, maintain possession, and offer the team rhythm. With Toni Kroos retired and Luka Modric visibly aging, that playmaker role has become glaringly vacant.

In a detailed post on his X (formerly Twitter) account, Ferdinand wrote: “Real Madrid has a problem… Toni Kroos has retired and Luka Modric is not getting any younger. This Real Madrid team needs an organiser, a master of the game, a rhythm creator. They have very good players, but they are now missing this essential ingredient.”

Rather than looking outward to solve the issue, Ferdinand believes the solution is already in the squad: Arda Güler. The young Turkish midfielder has caught the attention of pundits, fans, and even legends of the game for his technique, intelligence, and composure on the ball—traits that are reminiscent of Modric and Kroos themselves.

“Güler is young and can still develop physically,” Ferdinand continued, “but some players don’t need to rely on physique—think of Modric, Kroos, Iniesta, Scholes, and Xavi. With the right structure and patience, he could become the heartbeat of this team.”

Arda Güler’s journey at Real Madrid hasn’t been smooth. Injuries and stiff competition for places kept him sidelined for much of the campaign. But in recent weeks, he has finally begun to show why the club brought him to the Bernabéu. During the Copa del Rey final loss to Barcelona, Güler was a rare bright spot. His entry into the game sparked life into Madrid’s midfield, offering vision, movement, and precision.

For incoming coach Xabi Alonso, that cameo could prove decisive. The 43-year-old Spaniard, who made his name as a world-class midfielder and is currently enjoying a brilliant coaching spell at Bayer Leverkusen, is expected to prioritize structural clarity in midfield and a reinforced left side of defense. But Güler’s presence could give him a head start in restoring creativity to the heart of the team.

Reports from Relevo also suggest that Güler is set to play a crucial role in Real Madrid’s remaining La Liga matches and the upcoming FIFA Club World Cup. While the season may be lost in terms of trophies, the remaining games are a vital stage for Güler to cement his role heading into next year.

Fans are already dreaming of a midfield led by Güler, flanked by the likes of Fede Valverde and Eduardo Camavinga. With Tchouaméni providing cover and Bellingham operating higher up, the balance could return—if Alonso sees the same promise in Güler as Rio Ferdinand does.

Güler’s technical brilliance has long drawn comparisons to some of the best playmakers of the past decade. What sets him apart is not just his passing range or set-piece delivery, but his ability to slow the game down—control tempo, dictate pace, and create space, even under pressure.

In fact, Güler has already taken on set-piece duties at Real Madrid, a testament to the trust he’s beginning to earn. Corners, free kicks, and even some indirect situations are now under his command, giving him more responsibility with each game.

Alonso, known for his meticulous tactical approach, may find in Güler the perfect player to shape his new midfield identity. If Real Madrid are to return to their fluid, attacking best, a conductor like Güler is not just useful—it’s necessary.

It’s a pivotal moment for Real Madrid. While the club looks ahead to an inevitable rebuilding phase, choices made now will determine how quickly they can return to the summit of European football. Embracing young talents like Güler is not just a romantic idea—it’s practical footballing wisdom.

Of course, there’s no guarantee. Talent needs time, support, and the right environment to blossom. But Real Madrid has never been afraid to back potential, and if Alonso and his staff place their faith in Güler, they could be looking at their midfield metronome for the next decade.

Ferdinand’s words may seem bold, but they echo the sentiment of many observers who believe that Real Madrid already has its Kroos-Modric heir in-house. Whether Xabi Alonso will fully unlock that potential remains to be seen.

One thing is certain: Güler’s performances in the coming weeks will be under the spotlight like never before. And if he rises to the challenge, Rio Ferdinand’s prediction might just become prophecy.

As the season winds down and Madrid prepares for a new era under Alonso, the eyes of the world will be on Arda Güler. Will he step up and fill the shoes of legends? Time—and trust—will tell.