With Xabi Alonso's arrival on Real Madrid's bench, deep changes are looming in the tactical structure. The Donostia-born coach intends to give opportunities to the less regular players. His idea is to revitalize footballers who haven't had much prominence.
One of the main beneficiaries could be Arda Güler. The young Turkish talent will have the chance to show his worth. However, his new role within the team will surprise many.
Arda Güler moves away from the box to grow as a playmaker
According to leaks, Xabi Alonso plans to move Arda Güler's position further back on the field. His intention is for the former Fenerbahçe player to play closer to the start of the play. In other words, he would occupy the area where Luka Modric has dominated until now.
The coach believes that Güler has an ideal vision of the game to build from the back. He sees him as more useful as a playmaker than as an attacking midfielder. In the final third, Madrid already have more than enough resources.
This tactical change is no coincidence. It's part of a global strategy to restructure the midfield. At the same time, it has opened the door to a new signing.
Franco Mastantuono, precocious talent to unbalance
Given Arda Güler's repositioning, Real Madrid have activated the operation to sign a more offensive player. The goal was clear: to find someone more unbalancing, with imagination and boldness. The chosen one is Franco Mastantuono.
The young Argentine, just 17 years old, is shining brightly at River Plate. His talent has attracted the interest of all of Europe. However, Madrid have moved ahead and already have the deal closed.
Álvaro Benito has praised his arrival emphatically. "For that price, he had to be signed," said the former footballer and commentator. He believes that Franco Mastantuono can make a difference from day one.
It's not just a signing for the future. At Bernabéu, they believe he can contribute right away. His dribbling, daring, and ability to break lines fit perfectly with what Xabi Alonso is looking for.
"Franco Mastantuono understands the game with a maturity unusual for his age," Benito explained on El Larguero. He also compared his style to Arda Güler's and concluded that he is more unbalancing and imaginative than the Turk.
Real Madrid have strongly backed young talent. With the Güler-Mastantuono duo, the club's future seems secure. The restructuring has only just begun, but the first pieces are already in place.