Same fate as Alonso? Struggling Real Madrid playmaker faces litmus test vs Barcelona in Super Cup final

As Real Madrid prepare their lineup for the Clasico today, it is hard to ignore how Arda Guler’s name is barely being mentioned as an option.

The youngster began the new season with renewed importance, solidifying himself as a high-quality option trusted by the new manager Xabi Alonso.

As time has passed, however, his role in the team has been on a steady decline as brought to light by Defensa Central . Jude Bellingham’s role has had a major role to play in the same, and so has the return of Eduardo Camavinga into the dynamics.

Guler has fallen behind Camavinga on the pecking order (Photo by OSCAR DEL POZO/AFP via Getty Images)

Indeed, Guler’s place in Real Madrid’s dynamics has fallen from that of a starter to that of a substitute with the management developing an idea that his lack of physique makes him ineligible to start the big games.

The Turkish phenom did not start against Atletico Madrid in the semifinal of the ongoing Spanish Super Cup and is slowly but surely fading away. Tonight’s final could well be one of his final chances to deliver a statement performance.

Guler is expected to start on the bench tonight with Eduardo Camavinga likely to accompany Aurelien Tchouameni in midfield. His cameo which is expected in the second half, needless to say, offers him a massive stage to prove his worth.

Florentino Perez and Co. retain complete faith in the youngster and are convinced that he can be important. The player, for his part, is happy at the club and knows that he is at the best possible club in the world.

The thought of giving up, thus, does not cross his mind and Guler is determined to fight for his place. And as far as making an impression goes, there is no better stage than El Clasico , more so in the final of a competition.