“Arda Güler is a weapon for us” – Arbeloa opens up before Benfica clash
Real Madrid head coach Álvaro Arbeloa has described Arda Güler as “a weapon” for his team, underlining the Turkish youngster’s vision, versatility and work rate ahead of their Champions League showdown with Benfica.
Speaking at the pre‑match press conference in Lisbon, Arbeloa touched on several key themes: his admiration for his former coach José Mourinho, Real Madrid’s ambitions in Europe, the special symbolism of Estádio da Luz for the club, and the development of the team’s attacking stars – with a particular spotlight on Arda Güler.
Arbeloa’s respect for Mourinho: “More than just a coach”
Facing Mourinho on the touchline is a deeply personal moment for Arbeloa. The former defender, who played under the Portuguese manager at Real Madrid, did not hide how much Mourinho still means to him.
“Mourinho is far more than a coach; he is a great friend to me,” Arbeloa said. “Trying to imitate him would be impossible and would only lead to failure. My way to succeed is to remain myself, but there is no doubt José has had a huge influence on me.”
Arbeloa also revealed that their relationship is not merely historical, but very much alive.
“We are still in contact. If I called him at three in the morning, I know he would pick up the phone,” he added, highlighting the depth of trust and loyalty between them.
Champions League pressure and the importance of the last eight
Looking ahead to the Benfica match, Arbeloa underlined how crucial it is for Real Madrid to secure a place among the last eight teams in the Champions League. Reaching the quarter‑finals, he stressed, is both a sporting objective and a statement of identity for a club of Real’s stature.
“We have to play 90 minutes with maximum concentration,” he warned. “At this stage of the competition there is no room for complacency. Any drop in focus can be punished.”
The coach pointed out that progression to the final eight is not only about prestige but also about maintaining the club’s continuity at the highest level. For a generation of younger players, these knockout nights are critical for building character and experience in Europe.
Estádio da Luz: a stadium full of Real Madrid memories
The venue itself adds an emotional layer to the tie. Arbeloa reminded journalists that Estádio da Luz is etched into Real Madrid history because of “La Décima” – the club’s 10th Champions League title.
“This stadium has a special place in our hearts,” he said. “La Décima is one of the most important chapters in Real Madrid’s story. Coming back here brings powerful memories, but our job now is to write a new one.”
According to Arbeloa, that historical connection can be both a source of inspiration and a potential distraction. The challenge, he noted, is to draw energy from the past without letting nostalgia interfere with the present task.
Evaluating the squad: leaders and future cornerstones
Arbeloa also took time to analyse the current squad and its leaders, highlighting the blend of quality and personality in his dressing room. Without singling out one name, he hinted that several players are evolving into long‑term pillars of the club.
“The quality and characteristics of our key players are extraordinary,” he said. “We have footballers who not only want to shine individually, but also want to lead, to be an example. Some of them will be cornerstones of Real Madrid for many years.”
He emphasised that leadership at Real Madrid is no longer defined solely by age or seniority, but by behaviour, consistency and the ability to carry the team in difficult moments.
Vinícius, Mbappé, Bellingham – building chemistry in attack
Discussing the attacking department, Arbeloa underlined the growing understanding between stars such as Vinícius Júnior, Kylian Mbappé and Jude Bellingham. According to him, the relationships between these players are still evolving, with significant room for improvement.
“The connection between Vinícius, Mbappé and Bellingham is developing,” Arbeloa explained. “You can see their understanding growing with every game. Over time we will become much better in the final third.”
He stressed that elite individual talent is only a starting point; the real difference in the Champions League often comes from automatisms, combinations and shared intuition under pressure. Training sessions and competitive matches, he said, are gradually forging those links.
“Arda Güler is a weapon for us”
Among all the names mentioned, Arda Güler received some of the warmest praise. Arbeloa described the Turkish international as a uniquely gifted player whose intelligence and technique give Real Madrid additional tactical options.
“He has so many attributes. He’s a big talent with exceptional game vision,” the coach said. “His ability to switch the play is a weapon we are going to use more and more.”
Arbeloa stressed that Güler is far from just a luxury playmaker.
“He is young, he works extremely hard and because of his defensive contribution he often finishes matches absolutely exhausted,” he noted. “We want to take advantage of his talent when he plays closer to our defenders, but also when he is positioned near the forwards. He will continue to develop and he will continue to help us.”
Why Arda Güler fits modern Real Madrid
Arda Güler’s profile matches exactly what Arbeloa wants from his midfielders: technical brilliance combined with tactical responsibility. His ability to read the pitch allows Real Madrid to adapt their structure during games without making substitutions.
When Güler drops deeper, he can support the build‑up, offering an extra passing lane under pressure and helping the team escape high presses. When pushed higher, he can operate between the lines, creating chances for strikers with through balls or quick combinations around the box.
This positional flexibility makes him especially valuable in knockout football, where opponents often change systems mid‑match. Having a player who can interpret different roles in real time gives Arbeloa an additional layer of control over the tempo and rhythm.
The physical and mental demands on a young star
Arbeloa’s reference to Güler ending games “completely exhausted” is telling. At this level, talent alone is not enough; young players must adapt to the intensity and physical demands of continental competition.
The Turkish midfielder is learning to combine his natural creativity with relentless off‑the‑ball work: pressing, covering passing lanes, tracking back and helping full‑backs against overloads. For a technically oriented player, this kind of defensive commitment is often what determines whether he becomes a regular starter at a club like Real Madrid.
There is also a mental side to this process. Güler is expected to perform under scrutiny, handle expectations from fans at home and abroad, and still make brave decisions with the ball. Arbeloa’s faith in him suggests that the coaching staff believe he has the personality to cope with that pressure.
How Real Madrid plan to use Güler against opponents like Benfica
Against teams such as Benfica, who are comfortable in possession and aggressive in transitions, a player with Güler’s passing range can be decisive. His long diagonals can quickly shift the point of attack, stretching compact defensive blocks and forcing opponents to defend larger spaces.
When Real Madrid face a high press, Güler can drop closer to the centre‑backs, receive between the lines of pressure and break it with vertical passes. In more controlled phases, he can operate as a free creator, linking midfield and attack, especially when Vinícius and Mbappé make runs in behind.
This dual role – controller and creator – means Arbeloa can adjust Güler’s starting position depending on game context: deeper when Madrid need stability, higher when they need a final pass to unlock a tight defence.
Long‑term expectations: from prospect to reference point
Arbeloa’s comments indicate that Arda Güler is not seen merely as a promising youngster, but as a potential reference point for the club’s future. The idea is to let him grow step by step without rushing, while still trusting him in important moments.
In a squad filled with established stars, carving out a role is not easy. Yet the coach’s public backing sends a clear message: if Güler maintains his work ethic and continues to expand his game, he can become one of the foundations of the next Real Madrid cycle.
The combination of his vision, his willingness to sacrifice for the team and his tactical intelligence positions him as a modern midfielder who can shape matches at the highest level.
Balancing respect for the past with focus on the present
As Real Madrid return to Estádio da Luz, the storylines interlace: Arbeloa’s emotional reunion with Mourinho, the echoes of La Décima, the club’s quest for another deep run in the Champions League, and the rise of a new generation led by players like Vinícius, Mbappé, Bellingham and Arda Güler.
For Arbeloa, the key is to transform all of this history and expectation into energy on the pitch. If Real Madrid can align the hunger of their young talents with the experience and standards of the club, the coach believes they have enough “weapons” – and Arda Güler is clearly one of the most intriguing among them.