For Arda Güler, the season hasn't started with the prominence he would have liked. He has only been a starter in one of the four matches played so far, spending more time on the bench than on the field. Despite being one of the standout performers during preseason, things haven't seemed to change much.

Güler has undergone a notable physical and footballing transformation since joining the club. According to Carlo Ancelotti, Güler arrived at preseason in better shape, more resilient, and prepared, which allowed him to shine in friendly matches against Milan and Barcelona. This improvement not only enhanced his technical level but also made him more effective defensively, as highlighted by his teammate Lucas Vázquez.

The Turkish midfielder, known for his creativity and technique, has shown a more committed attitude in training and matches, leading Ancelotti to test him in new positions away from his usual role as an attacking midfielder. His physical improvement allowed him to take on more defensive tasks and aid in ball distribution, demonstrating that his game has matured.

Despite this growth, Güler's season has not started with as many minutes as he hoped. He has played only 100 minutes out of a possible 450, with his only start being against Valladolid. Although he showed glimpses of quality, he has not managed to solidify his place in Ancelotti's setup, even with injuries in the midfield. In the last match before the international break, against Betis, he was the only midfielder who did not see action.

Ready to take off?

With the international break underway, Güler will have the chance to accumulate more minutes with the Turkish national team in the Nations League, where he will be one of the team's leaders. These matches will be crucial for him to regain confidence and rhythm for the second half of the season. Güler's camp remains optimistic, aware that the season is still young and that injuries at Real Madrid could open up more opportunities upon his return.

It is hoped that the matches with Turkey will help him secure his place in the Real Madrid starting eleven, where, following his physical and footballing development, he is destined to play a more prominent role in the coming months.

The key will be his ability to seize the opportunity that injuries in midfield present. If he manages to do so, the big question will be whether Ancelotti would keep him in the starting eleven once the injured players recover. Only time will tell.