Arda Güler has evolved into Xabi Alonso’s on-field general at Real Madrid. Initially deployed deeper, next to Tchouaméni, to help build from the back, the Turkish midfielder has since been granted more freedom — now operating closer to the attacking third.

And the results have been spectacular. During the Club World Cup, he recorded one goal and two assists, and since being pushed higher up the pitch, his influence has multiplied: three goals and four assists in just ten appearances this season.

But it’s not only the eye test that praises Arda — the data does too. According to two recent studies by the CIES Football Observatory, the young Turk has been recognized as the best U21 player in the world in two key categories.

First, Arda boasts the highest ball retention rate under high pressure (89%) among U21 players across 50 leagues analyzed by CIES. The next closest are Caleb Yirenkyi (Nordsjaelland, 87.5%) and Johan Moreno (Universidad Católica, 85.7%). The top 10 also includes rising stars like Warren Zaïre-Emery (PSG, 83.8%) and Victor Froholdt (Porto, 83.2%).

Second, he ranks first in progressive passing efficiency, making the most passes that place a teammate closer to goal than an opponent — averaging 0.68 per 90 minutes. Behind him are Johan Manzambi (Freiburg, 0.62) and Nikolaus Wurmbrand (Rapid Vienna, 0.57).

Arda’s technical brilliance, composure, and creativity have made him indispensable to Alonso’s Real Madrid, unlocking defenses with ease. His six goals and 11 assists from last season are already being overshadowed — and the feeling is that this is only the beginning.

********************************************************

You can now download the Madridista News App for free on the Apple Store and Google Play.

You can follow us on Facebook here.

You can follow us on X (Twitter) here.                                                                    

You can follow us on Instagram here.

You can subscribe to our YouTube channel here.

You can follow us on Telegram here.

You can follow us on TikTok here.

You can join our WhatsApp channel here.