Real Madrid’s injury crisis was complicated further today as Brahim Diaz has picked up an injury and faces a spell of up to three months on the sidelines.
Recent reports indicate Brahim Diaz could miss up to 19 competitive matches, serving as a major blow for Real Madrid, which is already dealing with an injury crisis in midfield.
Indeed, Real Madrid are missing out on the services of a host of star players, only six games into the new season.
Especially in midfield, the likes of Dani Ceballos, Jude Bellingham, Aurelien Tchouameni, Eduardo Camavinga and now, Brahim Diaz are not available due to injury.
This apparent injury crisis may have major implications for Real Madrid. But on the flip side, it could also serve as an intriguing opportunity for select players, such as Turkish sensation Arda Guler.
Time for Guler to step up?
Real Madrid’s recent lineup against Sociedad was an indicator that Guler could benefit from the club’s injury crisis in midfield.
The Turk started in midfield alongside Luka Modric and Federico Valverde. He was tasked with the responsibility of offering creativity in the final third.
The former Fenerbahce starlet did not disappoint either, notably winning a penalty for his side while creating numerous chances in the final third.
Now with Brahim also injured, it appears Guler could become a regular in the Real Madrid creative unit, at least until Bellingham returns to action.
With a packed fixture schedule that includes La Liga and Champions League commitments, Guler is in a prime position to showcase his talent on a bigger stage.
If the Turkish midfielder continues to perform at this level, he could become a regular fixture in the side, even after the return of Real Madrid’s star players.
The coming months will test Guler’s adaptability and maturity, but they also represent an invaluable learning experience for the youngster. Should he rise to the occasion, he could further solidify his place as one of the club’s brightest young prospects.
The main challenge for Guler
While Arda Guler has shown glimpses of brilliance, his main challenge will be to adapt to Carlo Ancelotti’s 4-3-3 formation.
The system demands balance from midfielders, not only in their attacking contributions but also in maintaining defensive solidity.
Guler, known for his creativity, must find a way to strike that balance, ensuring he can still provide an offensive spark while fulfilling the tactical responsibilities required in Carlo Ancelotti’s setup.
In this formation, midfielders are expected to support both the defence and the attack, and Guler will need to improve his positional discipline and awareness.
His ability to cover ground and offer defensive support could determine how often he features in the starting lineup.
If Guler can successfully adapt and bring more balance to the midfield without losing his creative flair, he could become a key player for Real Madrid during this injury crisis.
Keeping these things in mind, it will be particularly interesting to see how Guler fares in Real Madrid’s Champions League opener against VfB Stuttgart this midweek.