'Arda Guler is no new Modric! Xabi Alonso is worried...'

The Arda Güler story featured in the Spanish press outlet Defensa Central hit the headlines like a bombshell. The report highlighted areas where the national footballer needs to improve, while also stating that another player is closer to becoming Luka Modric's successor. The report included the following statements: "Xabi Alonso has trusted Arda Güler since his arrival, as seen in the Club World Cup. However, Arda's performance seems to be declining.

'Bellingham ahead of Guler

This situation is causing concern about his future, at least in terms of Real Madrid coach Xabi Alonso's plan to turn him into the new Modric in the short term. Guler's quality is undeniable, as he has proven himself this season with his passes and assists. However, there are still areas he needs to improve, and in the Girona match, Xabi Alonso left him on the bench at half-time. Bellingham is currently ahead of Arda in the pecking order for the Tolosa-born coach.

'Arda is not the new Modric'

However, Xabi continues to trust him and will continue to do so despite him playing as a substitute at Montilivi. But he noticed that when he played closer to the centre of midfield, he struggled more than when he played as a more attacking midfielder with greater freedom of movement. That's why he still doesn't see him as the new Modric. As a playmaker, the Turkish footballer still needs to improve in certain areas that the manager considers fundamental. He needs to cover more ground, run more, press higher up the pitch and then win the ball back more quickly, because if he loses a tackle, it becomes more dangerous for the team.

Real Madrid decided not to renew Modric's contract last summer, and Modric left after the Club World Cup. This prompted the club to look for a potential successor. Despite having options, they did not enter the transfer market and sign anyone. Arda Güler was the clear favourite after his performance in the Club World Cup. However, given what has happened this season, there is more doubt about whether he can take on this role, at least in the short term.

'Nico Paz could be the new Modric'

Although Arda Güler's form has been inconsistent, Nico Paz, who is currently shining in Serie A, is excelling at Como. He is having a fantastic season, and Real Madrid are considering bringing him back. There is a buy-back clause in his contract, meaning his return could happen very soon. If this happens, Nico Paz could indeed become Real Madrid's new Modric. However, this situation could put Güler in a very dangerous position, and they will need to handle it carefully. He could potentially regress and find himself in a situation similar to that during the Ancelotti era.