3 things Arda Guler has to prove to Real Madrid before he can become truly undisputed

Arda Guler is one of the players Real Madrid fans are highest on going into the 2026/27 La Liga season, which starts in just one week, as many are wondering if the young Turkish international with nine assists last season can truly explode this year as a Mesut Ozil regen under new manager Jose Mourinho.

But before Guler can become one of the next untouchable starters for Real Madrid, he needs to prove a few things to the club and the new man in charge.

Consistency

While this is true for just about any 21 year old midfielder in world football, Arda Guler still has to prove to Real Madrid that he can perform at the highest possible level week in and week out against any type of opponent.

Guler struggles in the biggest games against the Barcelonas and Bayern Munichs of the world, while more physical teams also cause him distress. If Guler wants to start every week for Real Madrid, he still needs to prove that he can give an 8/10 performance almost every week, no matter the strength of playing style of the opposition.

Creating his own space

While Guler is a great player and already one of the finest creators in world football, he is a bit one dimensional. He doesn't score many goals, he doesn't beat defenders much, and his ball progression is pretty below average for a Real Madrid player.

Real Madrid need Guler to be more decisive in games, not just as a creator but also in terms of his ability to create space for shooting opportunities, for his own passes, and, maybe most importantly, for his teammates. Guler has the tools to be a quick, shifty 10 who can find the shooting angles, but Real Madrid need to see it put into practice.

More than a 10

To that end, Guler's main position is as a No. 10, but he isn't even Real Madrid's best option at the position with how many goals Jude Bellingham can score there. And Bellingham has another advantage in terms of how often he can start for Real Madrid, because he can play literally any other midfield position and excel in any scheme, allowing him to accommodate other tactics and players in the starting lineup.

Guler needs to show that he can play the other midfield positions at a high level, too, not just the No. 10. He needs to be able to be a regista, a No. 8, a wide midfielder, or shine in other areas, because all the great Real Madrid midfielders were more than just players in one position. That is a hurdle Guler must clear in order to play every single week.