Arda Güler debate after Real Madrid’s slip: 'Exposed his weakness' — Mbappé reacts on the pitch
Real Madrid dropped points once again in LaLiga after a 2–2 draw against Elche in Matchweek 13, with the performance of Arda Güler becoming the main talking point in Spain. The Turkish star started in the XI and played 64 minutes, but criticism quickly emerged regarding Xabi Alonso’s decision to deploy him away from his natural position.
Playing at the Estadio Manuel Martínez Valero, Real Madrid fell behind twice but salvaged a draw thanks to goals from Dean Huijsen (78’) and Jude Bellingham (87’). Elche had taken the lead through Aleix Febas (53’) and Álvaro Rodríguez (84’).
With this result, Madrid recorded back-to-back draws — and their third overall — but still sit top of LaLiga on 32 points, now just one ahead of Barcelona. Elche climbed to 11th place with 16 points.
Read More ›
Arda’s Performance: Solid on the Ball, Criticised Off It
Arda Güler, who started in midfield once again, produced encouraging numbers on the ball:
55 touches
93% passing accuracy
2 key passes
4 recoveries
However, Spanish media highlighted his defensive shortcomings, especially Elche’s first goal.
Mbappé’s Reaction: “Arda, give the ball to me first”
According to Defensa Central, Kylian Mbappé confronted Güler during the match, frustrated that the young midfielder did not release the ball quickly enough.
“Arda, the first pass must come to me. If you carry the ball, we lose our advantage,” Mbappé reportedly said, urging the team to increase the tempo.
The report claims Mbappé was unhappy with Madrid’s lack of directness in transition.
Read More ›
Spanish Media Criticism: “Failed to track Febas… exposed his weakness”
Football Espana wrote that Güler was influential in build-up play but failed multiple times to track Febas’ run, calling it “a clear display of his defensive weakness.”
Marca commented:
“In the first half he fought for every ball and showed great control with his left foot. In the second, he struggled against Febas, who forced him into a foul. He was subbed off in the 64th minute as his influence waned.”
Yahoo Sports said Alonso would be disappointed with the way Elche’s goal developed, stressing that Güler “failed to follow Febas’ run on several occasions.”
AS highlighted the unusual midfield setup:
“Many expected Camavinga to replace Tchouameni, but Alonso opted for Dani Ceballos to partner Arda Güler.”
International Media Reactions
Goal:
“He was physically outmatched. Created two chances, but a deeper role — without Tchouameni’s support — does not suit him.”
Managing Madrid:
“Composed under pressure and helped balance the team by dropping deep. Fired a brilliant long pass that should have been an assist for Mbappé. His defensive intensity dropped after the break.”
Sports Illustrated:
“Struggled in a deeper midfield position. Still created two big chances before being taken off in the 64th minute.”
Read More ›
Fans on Social Media: ‘Real Madrid Misusing Arda’
Real Madrid supporters echoed a similar sentiment online:
“Madrid are misusing Arda Güler. He’s not a deep-lying playmaker — he’s an attacking midfielder with killer final passes.”
“Xabi isn’t playing Arda in his real position.”
“He must play as an advanced midfielder, not as a defensive one.”
