Background: The Big Stage
As the 4th round of the UEFA Champions League Group Stage 2025‑26 draws near and Liverpool FC prepares to host Real Madrid CF, the spotlight is once again on the Spanish giants. Enter 20-year-old Turkish midfielder Arda Güler, who has seen his role grow under manager Xabi Alonso. According to Spanish media outlet El Nacional, Güler and teammate Dean Huijsen have reportedly raised concerns about fellow squad member Raúl Asencio’s readiness to start in such a critical fixture.
The Allegation: What’s Being Claimed
The key claim is that Güler and Huijsen advised Alonso that Asencio should not be trusted in the match-day starting XI for the showdown against Liverpool. According to El Nacional, the reasoning is two-fold:
- Asencio’s recent performances have allegedly fallen below expectations—hesitant decision-making and underwhelming execution have been cited.
- The duo reportedly believe Asencio lacks the experience or ability to defend against elite attackers such as Alexander Isak, Hugo Ekitiké, Mohamed Salah and Cody Gakpo.
If true, this is more than just tactical advice—it suggests a potential dress-room dynamic where younger players are influencing managerial selections, which raises questions about hierarchy, cohesion and trust within the squad.
Why Güler’s Voice Carries Weight
There are several reasons why Güler’s alleged intervention is significant:
- Trusted Role Under Alonso: With Alonso now in charge at the Bernabéu, Güler has seen his minutes increase and his influence grow. He’s no longer a fringe figure—he’s a part of the engine room.
- Performance Credibility: The young Turkish international has delivered in his opportunities. Solid stats, growing confidence, and visible impact.
- Emerging Leadership: Though still just 20, Güler appears to be acting in a more senior capacity—making suggestions, speaking up, and shaping team decisions. That’s unusual for a player of his age at a club like Real Madrid.
Implications for Real Madrid
This scenario has several potential ramifications:
Team Culture & Hierarchy
If a young player is advising the head coach on start-line decisions, it could blur traditional hierarchies. That can have both positive and negative effects—on the one hand it shows initiative and leadership; on the other, it may create tension with senior players feeling undermined.
Trust in Managerial Authority
Alonso’s willingness to listen to his players—and to possibly act on their suggestions—signals a shift in how Real approach management. It may foster a more collaborative structure, but it also risks internal debate spilling into locker room distractions.
Selection Decisions for Big Matches
The assertion that Asencio may not be deemed up to the task against high-level opposition like Liverpool sends a message: experience + composure matter when the stakes are high. Güler’s alleged warning hints at a readiness to make bold calls.
Güler’s Own Trajectory
Güler’s growing voice within the club strengthens his claim not just as a squad member, but as a future leader. It cements his place not only on the field, but off it—potentially accelerating his evolution from young prospect to cornerstone of the team.
A Few Contextual Facts
- Güler joined Real Madrid in July 2023 and has since been earmarked as one of the most exciting young talents in Europe.
- Under Alonso, he has taken on increasingly central roles—both in terms of playing position and influence.
- The allegation centres on the upcoming showdown with Liverpool—not just any fixture, but one where Real Madrid will expect to assert themselves. High-stakes, high-pressure.
- While the claim comes via Spanish press (El Nacional), club insiders or external confirmation remain limited at this stage.
What to Watch Next
- Starting Line-Up Announcement: Does Asencio feature? If not, this could lend further credence to the speculation.
- Güler’s Role vs Liverpool: Does he start? How decisive is his impact? If Real win, Güler’s influence may be seen as vindicated.
- Post-Match Comments: Will Alonso reference squad input or insight? Will any player hint at internal conversations?
- Asencio’s Reaction: If he plays, how does he perform? If he doesn’t, how is that communicated to him, publicly and privately?
- Team Atmosphere: Reports from within the squad about morale, trust and cohesion may surface.
Final Word
In the world of elite football, where every detail counts, the suggestion that Arda Güler has actively influenced the coach’s selection decisions signals something deeper than just tactics. It points to an evolving culture at Real Madrid, one in which youth, voice and conviction are gaining ground.
Whether this will prove a smart internal move or a potential source of friction depends on outcomes—particularly on whether Real Madrid triumphs as the young players’ belief finds form.
But one thing seems clear: Güler is no longer simply a promising talent. He’s becoming a player who matters—on the pitch and in the dressing room.
source
https://www.sozcu.com.tr/arda-guler-icin-flas-iddia-o-ismi-alonso-ya-sikayet-etti-p255639
