Real Madrid News
Numbers explain why Real Madrid moved swiftly to renew young midfielder’s contract
One month into the new season, Real Madrid may not have much to show for it in terms of performance, despite signing multiple new players in the summer transfer window.
But there have been promising sparks here and there, including the performances of Arda Guler, who is really making strides in his bid to become a key player at the Santiago Bernabeu.
Recent reports indicated that Real Madrid have been impressed by Guler’s performances and are ready to hand him a renewal that will seal his long-term future at the club.
Why Real Madrid want to renew Guler
As reported by Bernabeu Digital, Guler’s numbers this season go a long way to explaining why Real Madrid are so keen to extend and improve his deal.
The Turkish international leads the entire squad in a host of attacking metrics, despite ranking only tenth in minutes played.
He tops the team for chances created with 28, big chances created with eight, and completed crosses with 14, while his expected assists rating of 3.01 is also the best in the squad.
For a player who has featured for just 346 minutes so far, those figures are remarkable, and they reinforce exactly why Real Madrid view him as a genuine talent worth building around.
A huge impact in limited minutes
Perhaps the most interesting and compelling part of Guler is the gap between his game-time and his output.
The 21-year-old simply does not need vast amounts of playing time to be among Real Madrid’s most productive players.
He has already registered two assists this season, placing him joint-second in the squad, and has completed seven successful dribbles to go with his creative numbers.
That efficiency has not gone unnoticed by the coaching staff, with Guler consistently making a difference whenever called upon. His ability to unlock defences and create high-quality chances offers Real Madrid a creative dimension they have often lacked.
With competition for attacking places fierce, Guler faces a battle for regular minutes.
However, his sparkling output suggests it may only be a matter of time before he becomes a first-team regular.
For now, tying him down to a long-term deal is a clear priority for Real Madrid.
Real Madrid News
Mourinho considering starting 23-year-old Real Madrid ace against Villarreal – report
After impressing during the international break, Eduardo Camavinga has a major opportunity to establish himself in Real Madrid’s midfield rotation.
Indeed, according to Defensa Central, Jose Mourinho is considering starting the Frenchman against Villarreal, with injuries and doubts over several players limiting his options.
Real Madrid cannot afford to drop points against Villarreal if they want to remain in the title race. However, Mourinho has issues to deal with in the squad, which could lead him to turn to Camavinga for a crucial role.
Camavinga could replace Tchouameni in midfield
The 23-year-old star could line up as the defensive midfielder in the double pivot, with Bernardo Silva or Arda Guler alongside him, and will be tasked with providing balance in midfield.
Real Madrid face Villarreal with several problems in central defence. Ibrahima Konate is expected to be a late call, leading Mourinho to consider moving Aurelien Tchouameni into defence alongside Antonio Rudiger.
Meanwhile, Federico Valverde could also struggle to be ready after the ankle injury he sustained in the derby before the international break.
The Uruguayan has continued to work individually away from the group and might return to group training tomorrow. Even then, his readiness to start remains in question.
That would leave a place open in midfield, with Camavinga in line to fill in.
Camavinga impressed during the international break
Camavinga has started only one match this season, the defeat against Real Betis.
Despite his limited opportunities, Mourinho is keen to bring the Frenchman back into the fold after he impressed for France during the international break.
Zinedine Zidane called the Real Madrid star up for his first France squad, and the midfielder performed well during the break.
That has given Mourinho and Real Madrid reason to be optimistic about using him against Villarreal, with the hope that he can move closer to the level he showed after first arriving at the club.
Therefore, the Villarreal match could represent an important test for Camavinga and a chance for the Frenchman to show that he can provide the balance Real Madrid need in midfield.
