Marca: Real Madrid’s Playmaker Search Continues as Guler Struggles in Deeper Role

Following the departures of Toni Kroos and Luka Modrić, Real Madrid’s attempt to fill their creative void from within has met significant challenges. According to Marca, the club’s decision not to sign a dedicated "midfield brain" last summer was based on the hope that internal talents could evolve. However, Xabi Alonso’s experiment with Arda Güler as a deep-lying playmaker has so far failed to yield the desired results, leaving the team without a clear tempo-setter.

While Güler initially showed promise, his shift to a deeper role has reportedly hindered his chemistry with Kylian Mbappé and reduced his impact in the final third. Despite playing in every match this season, his influence waned toward the end of December, leading to a bench role in key fixtures like the clash against Manchester City. Other candidates have also struggled: Eduardo Camavinga has been shuffled between the right wing and pivot roles without finding consistency, while Dani Ceballos remains a fringe figure despite occasional flashes of brilliance.

The "attacking duo" of Federico Valverde and Jude Bellingham has also been tested in playmaking roles with limited success. Valverde’s versatility has seen him cover at right-back, and when playing centrally, he often lacks the rhythmic control characteristic of Kroos. Meanwhile, Bellingham is still searching for his definitive place in Alonso’s tactical system. With Martin Zubimendi now at Arsenal, a recent Marca survey indicates that fans are clamoring for new signings. The club is now reportedly eyeing PSG’s Vitinha as a top target for 2026 to finally restore balance to their midfield.

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Kylian Mbappé Real Madrid Toni Kroos Luka Modrić Arda Güler

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