Why Real Madrid may view Guler as Modric's long-term successor

 

Real Madrid have a knack of signing the hottest young prospects in world football. From Martin Odegaard, to Vinicius Junior, to Rodrygo, to, most recently, Endrick, the Spanish capital is seemingly the-go to destination for young players seeking to break into the first team for, arguably, football's most recognised side. 

 

Of course, these signings do not always pan out. Odegaard was unable to force his way into the Real Madrid midfield, and has since gone on to succeed with Arsenal, while Brazilian Reinier has gone on back-to-back loan spells with Borussia Dortmund and Girona in order to garner regular minutes, though injuries did impact his spell with the latter. Nevertheless, Reinier is set to spend another season with Girona in what is perhaps his last chance to make an impact. 

 

Not content with what they have, Real Madrid are now set to win the race to land promising Turkish winger Arda Guler. The teenager has exploded onto the scene with Fenerbahce, and a low release clause of £15m saw Europe's elite make their move for the 18-year-old. Dubbed 'The Turkish Messi', it's for good reason, with Guler maximising his low centre of gravity to drift past opponents in a similar fashion to the Barcelona and Argentina icon. 

 

Only Emre Mor (4.9) completed more dribbles per 90 than Guler (4) in the Super Lig last season to reinforce a statistically calculated WhoScored strength of 'dribbling', and add substance to the aforementioned nickname. In addition, he isn't one who merely dribbles for the sake of it, but rather utilises his agility to create space for himself to create for others. Indeed, a return of four key passes per 90 ranked top in Turkiye's top tier last term as Guler played a key role in helping Fenerbahce pip rivals Besiktas to second spot. 

 

 

These are exactly the sort of players Real Madrid crave. Vinicius Junior's impressive season stemmed from the determination to ghost past markers to punch holes in defences, and Guler is similar in that regard. Despite registering just 907 minutes of league action, Guler still finished the season with four goals and three assists to his name to backup his superb dribble return, and while nine of his 20 appearances came from the bench; the star in the making returned a fine WhoScored rating of 7.28. Factor in just starts, and that shoots up to 7.78. 

 

An additional reason behind Real Madrid's desire to sign the talented Turkiye international is the versatility he'll offer Carlo Ancelotti. The Italian likes his players to be able to operate in a number of roles, with Eduardo Camavinga, Federico Valverde and Rodrygo cases in point. Guler is another who fits the bill, with the Fenerbahce man able to play in the middle of the park and out wide. 

 

Given Real Madrid's quest to revamp their ageing midfield to remain competitive both domestically and on the continent, Guler joins a very promising crop, including summer addition Jude Bellingham, Aurelien Tchouameni, Camavinga and Valverde. Guler won't be one to sit and protect the defence, but with Tchouameni and Camavinga both able to carry out this duty, he'll have the licence to get forward and support the attack should he be used in the middle of the park. 

 

In fact, it might be that Real Madrid view Guler as the long-term successor for the mercurial Luka Modric in the middle of the park. Reports suggest that both Modric and pass master Toni Kroos will be asked to mentor Guler, and the are the perfect pair to help the latter with his development. Given the similarities in style of play, it makes sense for Los Blancos to task Guler with succeeding the experienced the Croat in midfield. 

 

Now given Modric's skillset and consistency, finding the suitable replacement for the 37-year-old is no easy feat, but given Guler's ability to drive his team forward, pick a defence splitting pass and work tirelessly out of possession, then the Turkish star could well be seen as the ideal fit. With a year for the pair to work together, too, that will give Guler the perfect stepping stone to fill Modric's boots in that midfield role. 

 

"I'm leaving next season, and I want you to have my jersey next," Modric is reported to have told Guler in his best efforts in the former's efforts to convince the latter to reject Barcelona and favour of Real Madrid. With the supposed promise of offering Guler the number 10 shirt, this fuels the suggestion that Los Blancos are eyeing the impending summer arrival as a central midfielder rather than a winger. 

 

There is a gulf in quality between the Turkish Super Lig and La Liga, but Guler already looks a big fish in a small pond in Turkey. There is still work to be done in order to make a successful leap from Fenerbahce to Real Madrid, but under the right guidance, Guler could prove vital as Los Blancos prepare for life without Modric in midfield.

Why Real Madrid may view Guler as Modric's long-term successor