Life without Jude: Real Madrid to unleash Arda Güler as the new maestro!

A starting player is out, a new starter is in. Xabi Alonso hasn't made his final decision by any means, but he is strongly leaning towards two names: AS writer Sergio Lopez brings Arda Güler and Franco Mastantuono into the forefront. Here are the key points, opinions and arguments about the article titled "To learn to live without Bellingham." 

Jude Bellingham sidelined, a casting call has begun: Real Madrid is seeking a midfielder for three months. Though, who knows if it might be longer, as football is full of stories of understudies who stepped onto the stage when the tenor lost his voice and then, stayed in the limelight. Just ask Iker Casillas. Or Gonzalo Higuaín. So many others. As of today, the reality is clear: Jude Bellingham will be out for 10 to 12 weeks, almost certainly three months, until October. So, throughout this period, the team will need to adapt. To rebuild.

And the plan is for them to play together. Firstly, because if the Club World Cup left one clear lesson, it's that Arda Güler can be trusted. His overflowing talent was already known, but he has now confirmed he possesses the character and personality to handle the pressure. He isn't fazed by being a starter. The only remaining question surrounding him will be his exact role: whether to remain as a 'six' (defensive midfielder), operate as a central midfielder, or return to his original position as an attacking midfielder.

The era of Arda

In any case, his limited playing time from last season won't be repeated. He only featured for 1,775 minutes (excluding the Club World Cup). This statistic deserves an important clarification: 30% of those minutes, specifically 530, came after matchday 33. This was during the final stretch of the league season where Carlo Ancelotti relaxed his rotation, allowing Güler to regain his rhythm and truly shine, contributing two goals and two assists. Güler truly began to blossom in April, and since then, he hasn't stopped his ascent. The coaching staff is determined to back him, and they will. This is definitive.

From Buenos Aires... to the starting XI

But who will be the other midfielder alongside Güler, in Bellingham's absence? That's the big question. And Xabi Alonso, as of today, is strongly favoring Franco Mastantuono. If you ask in the offices at Chamartín, they will be even more emphatic: he is a footballer destined to mark an era. Much more than just a promise. His profile would fit into two tactical setups: on the right wing of a 4-4-2 (where Güler or Valverde would have to occupy the left) or as an attacking midfielder in a 3-5-2. Although, as you know, modern football and rigid systems are incompatible concepts. But they serve as starting points.

Time is the main factor working against Mastantuono: he won't join the team until August 14, the day he turns 18. This is exactly one day before the start of the La Liga season. His adaptation will begin from that point, so he might need some time. However, it's not expected to be long. This is why there is such confidence in his ability to take on responsibility during Bellingham's absence. And who knows what will happen afterwards. The Güler-Mastantuono formula combines exquisite ball control with a strong attacking presence. It's a combination that convinces the coaching staff.

Hidden cards

Behind them in the pecking order is Eduardo Camavinga, who is likely to play the matches during Mastantuono's adaptation period. With Camavinga, the system would see Güler return to an attacking midfield role, with Camavinga taking on the central midfield duties. Brahim Díaz, and especially Rodrygo, have very few options to start. Rodrygo, in particular, has one foot and a half out of the club. Today marks the first day of the three months without Bellingham. Real Madrid must adapt. And Xabi Alonso must rub the lamp and conjure up some magic.