The New Arda Güler: Physical transformation that shook Real Madrid
Arda Güler has undergone a significant physical and tactical transformation, gaining 10kg of muscle to become the "brain" of Xabi Alonso's midfield at Real Madrid. The 20-year-old Turk, who has a personal physio, trainer, and chef, is fully committed to his new role as a central midfielder, with the club and coaching staff believing he is the key to a tactical evolution.
Arda Güler is ready for a pivotal season, and his off-season work proves it. On Monday, the first day of Real Madrid's pre-season training, the 20-year-old shared a video on social media, inspired by tennis icon Serena Williams, with the message: "Keep working hard." The video showcased his intense off-season regimen, including pool sessions, weightlifting, and, of course, plenty of time on the pitch. This is the new Güler, a player who has undergone a total transformation since arriving in Madrid in the summer of 2023.
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🚨AS reports “The NEW Güler”
— Gill (@Gilld) August 6, 2025
• Gained 10kg in muscles since arriving
• Lives with a personal trainer, fysio and chef. pic.twitter.com/SPNSY1iQxu
His first two seasons were a mixed bag. In his debut campaign, injuries limited him to just 440 minutes, though he still managed to score six goals. In the 2024-25 season, he saw more action (2,200 minutes), scoring six goals and providing 11 assists. However, coach Carlo Ancelotti was hesitant to use him as a true central midfielder.
Xabi Alonso's new vision
New coach Xabi Alonso has no such reservations. He immediately deployed the young Turk as an interior midfielder—almost as a holding midfielder—in every match of the Club World Cup. Güler started five of the six games, and while the team struggled against PSG, the preceding matches showed a significant improvement in Real Madrid's overall play, with Güler at the heart of the evolution. This is a clear preview of what's to come, starting with the La Liga opener against Osasuna on August 19.
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To transition from a flashy attacking midfielder to a complete central midfielder, Güler had to reshape his body. The results are clear: he is no longer the lanky teenager who arrived in Madrid at 18. The intense gym work has helped him gain between eight and ten kilograms of muscle, jumping from 62kg to over 70kg. This transformation is a testament to his total commitment to a new lifestyle, living with his physio, personal trainer, and chef who have tailored his diet and home workout regimen to build a body that is now perfectly suited for a midfielder's role.
Commitment and club belief
Xabi Alonso has been unequivocal in his praise for the young player. "He has a lot of qualities, he is a special player," Alonso said. "He has a very wide repertoire with his passes, we play better with him, but he has to learn and develop his game better. Now is the time to invest in Arda's progress."
The club fully shares this vision. Luka Modric's departure was directly linked to the club's plans for Güler, with the belief that the minutes once occupied by the Croatian legend would be crucial for Güler's growth as an interior midfielder. It's also clear that Dani Ceballos is now behind Güler in the midfield rotation.
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Mentally, Güler has never wavered in his choice to join Real Madrid. Not during his challenging first season with limited minutes, nor during his second campaign when team results were not as strong. His adaptation to the midfield position has been easier than expected, as he often plays this role for the Turkish national team with ease. Despite the intense media attention in his home country, he has remained focused. "He's very clear, he knows the process, and he's humble and demanding," a source close to the new Arda Güler shared.
