Real Madrid News
In-form Real Madrid star expected to make way for Bellingham in starting XI – report
Real Madrid could be facing a key selection dilemma as Jude Bellingham prepares to return to the starting XI, with Arda Guler expected to be the player sacrificed.
According to Alberto Pereiro of Onda Cero, as relayed by Defensa Central, Bellingham’s comeback after a 40-day injury layoff will directly impact Guler’s role in the team.
The England midfielder is set to reclaim his place immediately, pushing the Turkish talent back to the bench.
Explaining the situation, Pereiro made the expected hierarchy clear, stating,
“When Jude Bellingham is recovered, he will be a starter, and Arda Guler will be the one relegated to the bench.”
This view is shared across Spanish media. Santiago Siguero also highlighted the direct impact Bellingham’s return will have on Guler’s position.
“His return poses a direct threat to Arda.”
Guler is in top form
Despite the consensus, not everyone agrees with the decision.
Some analysts believe removing Guler from the lineup could disrupt the team’s attacking balance, especially given his recent performances.
Offering a strong counterpoint, Latigo Serrano warned about the consequences of such a move.
“If Real Madrid sacrifices Guler for Bellingham, they lose.”
Guler’s numbers support that argument. He has registered 13 assists this season, placing him among the most productive creators in the squad.
In addition, he has contributed 4 goals, averaging a direct goal involvement every 172 minutes.
Beyond the raw statistics, Guler offers qualities that are not easily replaced.
Simply put, Bellingham’s return undoubtedly strengthens the team, but it also creates a tactical dilemma.
Dropping a player in form like Guler could come at a cost, making this one of the most delicate decisions for Alvaro Arbeloa.
One of the biggest positives for Real Madrid from the last season was the breakthrough of young midfielder Thiago Pitarch.
The 19-year-old La Fabrica prospect had been in the first-team dynamics since pre-season under Xabi Alonso, but finally got his senior debut under Alvaro Arbeloa at the turn of the year.
From that moment on, Pitarch did not look back at all, gaining prominence in the team and even starting important matches ahead of established players like Eduardo Camavinga and Dani Ceballos.
However, things have not gone as per plans for the teenager this season as he has yet to play a single minute of first-team football.
January loan no longer ruled out
As such, Diario AS now reports that Pitarch would consider leaving Real Madrid on loan during the January transfer window if his situation does not improve.
The teenage midfielder suffered an injury in pre-season which kept him sidelined for a few weeks, denying him an opportunity to start the season under Jose Mourinho.
By the time he returned, the Portuguese tactician had already identified his preferred hierarchy in midfield, with the likes of Federico Valverde, Bernardo Silva, Aurelien Tchouameni and Camavinga firmly ahead in the pecking order.
A stark difference from his debut season
In his debut season, Pitarch ended with 16 first-team appearances for Real Madrid with two assists to his name.
In contrast, this term, the academy graduate has been called up to the matchday squad for five games by Mourinho this term, but has yet to play a single minute of football.
Given the situation, he used the international break to jump down to Castilla and play close to 250 minutes across three games, during which he also registered an assist.
The situation is far from ideal for a young talent who needs regular minutes to continue his development and build on his impressive breakthrough campaign.
As such, the possibility of a departure on loan in January could be considered, after Pitarch turned down offers in the summer to stay at Real Madrid.
A lot will depend on how things evolve in the next couple of months, but a temporary exit cannot be ruled out.
