A man in close-up profile with a serious expression, and in the background, a circle shows a young player in a Real Madrid uniform celebrating or giving instructions on the field.
Xabi Alonso's message about Güler's good match | Camara Real Madrid Confidencial
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Xabi doesn't hold back, extremely harsh message and blow to Ancelotti over Arda: 'A talent like this…'

The Madridist coach delivered a clear message about Arda Güler at the end of the match

by

Sergio Iglesias

Real Madrid beat Borussia Dortmund at the pace set in midfield by Arda Güler. Without a doubt, the Turkish footballer is proving to be one of the sensations of the white squad in the Club World Cup. Xabi Alonso has given him minutes and he's playing as a midfielder more than ever, and the confidence with which he has replied is significant.

Arda Güler opened the match with a spectacular assist to Gonzalo García so the youth academy player could score the first goal at the 10th minute. In fact, the striker himself acknowledged that the ball was a gift and that he only had to push it into the net.

Two Real Madrid players celebrate a goal by hugging on the field while several photographers capture the moment from the background.
Gonzalo and Arda Güler celebrate Real Madrid's first goal | Real Madrid Confidencial

Xabi Alonso's praise for Güler and a message to Carlo Ancelotti

"The first half helped us a lot to get close to the center backs and then link up with Jude, with the last line. Then once he moves forward, he's accompanied and there he has a very good touch near the box. The two assists, the shot, and there he's dangerous," said Xabi Alonso.

"But we all have to help him, we have to give him balance. I said it yesterday, there will be things he has to improve, but you improve by playing," explained the man from Tolosa.

In that last sentence, many Madridists understood that Xabi Alonso was thinking about the minutes Carlo Ancelotti was giving the Turk. The Italian coach was clear that you improved by playing, but he didn't let Arda Güler play and that caused the Turkish footballer to stagnate.

Arda Güler's great Club World Cup

Arda Güler played all 90 minutes, provided two assists, and completed 65 accurate passes out of a total of 68 attempts. In addition, he finished the match with two key passes, three crosses, two long passes, and two clear chances created.

Two Real Madrid players in white uniforms hold hands on the field during a match.
Güler keeps growing at Real Madrid under Xabi Alonso | Real Madrid Confidencial

Real Madrid's player perhaps lacked a shot on target, although he tried three times—one went wide and two were blocked. In addition, he won two of the three duels he contested and lost only four balls throughout the match.

Xabi Alonso has found his organizing midfielder for Real Madrid. A prodigious player who, if he keeps growing, is destined to mark an era wearing the Madrid jersey.

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