Arda Gula should be Carlo Ancelotti’s first choice over Rodrigo next season at Real Madrid

The summer of international football is coming to an end with the European Championship and Copa America nearing their respective ends. However, for football fans, the action will continue as plans for the 2024/25 club season get underway. One of the most exciting and intriguing developments is the Real Madrid squad, which is arguably the best in the world.

last summer, Los Blancos Captures the signature of a teenage sensation from Turkey, Arda Guler. The player, however, struggled with injuries throughout the campaign and struggled to secure a regular place in the starting XI. This time, Guler is coming off a strong run at Euro 2024 and is making a case to be a starter. With Kylian Mbappe and Vinicius Jr. as guaranteed names, Brazil’s Rodrigo could lose his place to the Turkish prodigy, and here’s why.

The absence of a left-footed player in Real Madrid’s front line

Among the many unmatched qualities in Real Madrid’s attack, the lack of left-footed men presents itself as a problem for Carlo Ancelotti. Although Brahim Diaz will continue at the Santiago Bernabeu, the Italian has yet to establish himself as Morocco’s first choice in the coach’s eyes. Having three players forward and all of them leaning to the right foot can cause boredom, thus making it easier for the opposition to defend.

As seen at UEFA Euro 2024 in Germany, Arda Güler’s left foot already stands with the best in the game. The 19-year-old’s dominance on the left would make him a suitable option to operate on the right wing, allowing Vinny Jnr and Mbappe to rotate seamlessly down the left. Guler’s ability from set-pieces also makes him a superior option over Rodrigo.

Rodrygo’s inconsistent showing as a starter

The Brazilian’s quick and young dribbler made a name for himself as a devastating substitute off the bench in his early years at Real Madrid. Some of his most iconic moments came as a substitute against Manchester City in 2022. Unfortunately, as evident from the 2023/24 season, the 23-year-old has failed to replicate that impact when deployed in the starting line-up.

Rodrigo endured a two-month goal drought at the start of the season which was followed by another in the months following the winter break. Arda Guler, on the other hand, earned a spot in the latter stages of the campaign and remarkably found the back of the net six times from six shots on target. Rodrigo’s failure as a starter cannot be ignored at a club like Madrid which can only lead to controversy for Guler.

Tactical flexibility for Carlo Ancelotti

Real Madrid coach, Carlo Ancelotti is well known for his ability to adapt to game situations and be flexible enough. Mbappe, Vinicius and Rodrigo offer largely similar skills with speed and technique being their ultimate strengths. For Guler, his profile presents a starkly different picture of the Turk’s close control and reliance on his vision.

Arda Guler is capable of playing wide as well as a more unorthodox inverted winger. This scenario would enable Judd Bellingham to play a little further up the pitch which looks unlikely at the moment with the recent retirement of Toni Kroos. Carlo Ancelotti would love to include such unpredictability and variety in his line-up, allowing him to change at will.