Arda Güler Expected to Remain in Real Madrid’s Starting XI After Bellingham’s Return
Arda Güler has strengthened his case for regular first-team football at Real Madrid, and Jude Bellingham’s return from injury is not expected to remove the Turkish midfielder from the starting lineup. According to a report by *AS*, the coaching staff are considering a tactical adjustment that would allow both players to feature from the opening whistle.
Güler earned another start after impressing in Real Madrid’s previous match against Rayo Vallecano. He retained his place against Elche and produced one of the most memorable moments of the game at the Martínez Valero stadium.
In the 25th minute, the 21-year-old Turkey international took responsibility for a free-kick. His technically precise effort found the net with assistance from Elche goalkeeper Matías Dituro, giving Madrid a 1-0 lead. The goal was significant beyond the scoreline: it ended Real Madrid’s longest run without a direct free-kick goal in La Liga.
The drought had lasted for 120 league matches, stretching back to Rodrygo’s set-piece against Sevilla in May 2023. Güler’s composed execution therefore marked both a personal milestone and an important statistical breakthrough for the club.
His contribution was not limited to the goal. Operating in central attacking areas, Güler helped connect midfield with the forward line and played an active role during transitions. His movement between the lines gave Real Madrid an additional creative outlet and allowed the team to progress the ball more quickly in dangerous zones.
Despite the positive display, José Mourinho insisted after the final whistle that Real Madrid should not become overly reliant on one player. The manager emphasized that every member of the squad remains replaceable and that the team’s performance must be judged collectively.
“Arda is not indispensable. Nobody is,” Mourinho said. He also suggested that the team began to lose control after the substitutions, adding that Güler’s intensity had declined while occupying the No. 10 position.
That criticism does not necessarily indicate that the midfielder is about to lose his place. Instead, it highlights the tactical demands placed on him when he plays through the middle. The central role requires constant pressing, defensive discipline and quick movement after possession changes.
Bellingham’s return creates an important selection question, but it may not lead to Güler’s exclusion. The English midfielder is expected to reclaim his usual position, while Güler could move toward the right wing. Such a change would preserve his place in the starting eleven while restoring Bellingham to the central role in which he has previously excelled.
The potential reshuffle could also give Real Madrid greater flexibility during matches. Güler’s ability to drift inside from the flank would allow him to combine with Bellingham between the lines, while the full-back on his side could provide width. This arrangement would make it harder for opponents to track both creative players simultaneously.
Güler’s development on the right side will be especially important ahead of the Madrid derby against Atlético Madrid at the Metropolitano. Derby matches typically demand discipline without the ball, rapid decision-making and the ability to withstand sustained pressure. His contribution will therefore be measured not only by goals and assists but also by his defensive work and control of possession.
The Turkish international has gradually shown that he can influence games in more than one way. His left foot remains a major weapon from set pieces and open play, while his close control enables him to escape pressure in crowded areas. These qualities make him valuable both as a creator and as a player capable of changing the rhythm of an attack.
At the same time, maintaining a starting role will depend on consistency. A single outstanding performance can earn attention, but regular selection requires Güler to reproduce his intensity across a series of matches. He will need to remain involved when the team does not dominate possession and demonstrate that he can contribute defensively from the wing.
For Real Madrid, the return of Bellingham should be viewed as an opportunity rather than a problem. With both players available, the team can combine Güler’s technical creativity with Bellingham’s athleticism, ball-carrying ability and presence around the penalty area. The key challenge will be finding the right balance between attacking freedom and defensive structure.
The derby is likely to provide an early test of that balance. If Güler adapts effectively to the right flank, he could establish himself as a permanent part of the club’s preferred lineup rather than simply benefiting from an injury-related opening. His recent form has already placed him in a stronger position, and Bellingham’s return may ultimately expand, rather than reduce, his importance to the team.