Kylian Mbappé is the heartbeat of this Real Madrid side — the driving force behind their attacking brilliance. Yet, every great leader needs a worthy ally, and Mbappé has found his in Arda Güler. Together, the French-Turkish duo have formed the most productive partnership across Europe’s top ten leagues. In just a month and a half of competition, they’ve combined for five goals, becoming Xabi Alonso’s most decisive offensive weapon. Between Mbappé’s 13 goals and Güler’s 3, they’ve been directly involved in 69.6% of Real Madrid’s 23 goals this season.

Their chemistry was once again on display in Almaty. The 3-0 goal was born from Rodrygo’s dazzling run down the left, continued by Güler’s delicate assist, and finished off by Mbappé’s clinical strike — the fifth goal the pair have produced together this season.

Güler has evolved into Mbappé’s most trusted partner. According to BeSoccer Pro, the Turk has already provided 50 passes to the French star — more than to any other teammate. Last season, Mbappé was only the sixth-most frequent recipient of Güler’s passes, behind Valverde, Lucas Vázquez, Modri?, Tchouaméni, and Bellingham. Out of those 50 passes this season, seven have led to shots from Mbappé, four of which ended in goals — against Oviedo, Levante, Atlético, and Kairat Almaty. The connection also works the other way around, with Mbappé assisting Güler for Madrid’s second goal at Anoeta.

It’s a relationship nurtured carefully by Xabi Alonso. “We have to keep pushing him and giving him minutes so he can become an important player,” the coach said after Güler’s debut against Osasuna. “He’s playing as a playmaker to exploit his quality. He positions himself between the lines to connect with Mbappé — he scores goals and delivers the final pass,” Xabi added after the victory in Almaty.

Across last season and the current one, Mbappé and Güler have shared 2,006 minutes on the pitch together. The Frenchman has logged more time with eleven other teammates, but none as efficient. Mbappé receives an assist from Güler every 286 minutes — and this season, every 161.5 minutes. The Turk delivers a pass to him every 13 minutes. For comparison, Vinícius, who has assisted Mbappé eight times over two seasons, does so every 503 minutes.

Mbappé and Güler — a golden connection that keeps Real Madrid shining under Xabi Alonso.

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