Real Madrid sealed their place at the top of their group with an impressive victory over Salzburg, marking their best performance so far in the FIFA Club World Cup. While the result pleased the fans, it also confirmed that Xabi Alonso’s project is beginning to take shape. One of the most notable developments? The growing role of Turkish wonderkid Arda Güler.

Alonso has been gradually integrating Güler into the squad, giving him back-to-back starts—a clear sign the young midfielder is seen as an important part of Madrid’s future. But the Basque coach is not handing anything out for free.

“You have to move the ball quickly. And when you lose it, react immediately to win it back. Keep that intensity for the full 90 minutes — that’s what we need to work on,” Alonso was heard telling Güler during training, making it clear that potential alone won’t secure him a starting spot.

Despite still polishing some aspects of his game, Güler delivered a solid performance against Salzburg, operating in a more central, organizing role. His technical ability and vision are exactly what Madrid’s midfield needs, especially as Alonso reshapes the team with a more dynamic, possession-based style.

A Coach Who Believes in Him — But Demands More

It’s no secret that Alonso holds Güler in high regard. But that doesn’t mean the Turkish international can afford to relax. After a tough debut season under Carlo Ancelotti, Güler is finally smiling again, knowing he has a coach who believes in him. Still, Alonso has high expectations.

“I feel more involved because the coach always talks to me,” Güler recently admitted. “In the first game I played 45 minutes, so I already feel better and more confident.”

Alonso echoed that sentiment after the Salzburg clash: “Güler and Valverde gave us control in the first half. Arda has quality between the lines, and his understanding of the game adds variety and intelligence to our play. The more options we have, the stronger we become.”

The Turkish Pearl’s Evolution

Arda Güler has been one of the standout stories of Madrid’s Club World Cup campaign. Far from being stuck out wide, as he was in previous seasons, the young midfielder is now being positioned closer to the heart of the game. Alonso wants him on the ball, dictating play and influencing matches from central areas.

But the message is clear: technical brilliance isn’t enough. Güler must now prove he has the work rate, discipline, and tactical maturity to become a consistent force in Real Madrid’s midfield.

If he continues on this path, the Turkish pearl could soon evolve into one of the team’s most influential players but only if he earns every minute, just as Alonso demands.