Latest news with #ArdaGuler
Yahoo
a day ago
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
BREAKING: Kylian Mbappe's tribute to Diogo Jota speaks volumes after tragic death
Real Madrid star Kylian Mbappe has echoed sentiments across the football community with a tribute to the late Diogo Jota, who died in a car crash on Thursday. In a quarterfinal Club World Cup match against Borussia Dortmund, the French superstar delivered a game-winning goal in extra time to lift Madrid 3-2 over its German opposition at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey. Mbappe's twisting, acrobatic right-footed shot from the left side of the six-yard box, rifled into the bottom left corner following a cross from Turkish star Arda Guler. Advertisement Madrid booked their place in the semifinals against the striker's former club, PSG, and Mbappe reminded the world why he remains one of football's most unstoppable forces. He ran to the sideline and raised both hands to the sky, flashing a No. 20 with his fingers before placing his palms together in a prayer motion. READ MORE: Reason why Diogo Jota and brother Andre Silva had different last name revealed READ MORE: Cristiano Ronaldo absence explained after Portugal captain misses Diogo Jota funeral The tribute was to former Liverpool, Wolves, and Portugal forward Diogo Jota, who tragically lost his life in a fatal car crash in Spain alongside his brother Andre Silva just days before the match. With his head bowed, Mbappe then turned to celebrate with teammates Fran Garcia and Raul Asencio. Advertisement There will be more to follow on this breaking news story and will bring you the very latest updates, pictures and video as soon as possible. Please check back regularly for updates on this developing story as they happen. Follow @Liverpoolcom_ : The official account for all the latest sports news as it happens in real time. Follow us on Facebook or visit homepage.
Forbes
2 days ago
- Sport
- Forbes
Current Real Madrid Star Takes Dig At Former Boss Ancelotti
A Real Madrid star now flourishing under Xabi Alonso took what has been perceived as a dig at former ... More boss Carlo Ancelotti. A Real Madrid star now flourishing under Xabi Alonso took what has been perceived as a dig at former boss Carlo Ancelotti by indicating that he is happier in life with the Italian's successor. Arda Guler famously snubbed Los Blancos' bitter rival FC Barcelona to join Madrid from Los Blancos in 2023. Though he has already picked up winners medals in the Champions League and La Liga among other competitions, the young Turk had difficulty finding regular minutes on a packed front line. In Guler's maiden campaign, Ancelotti went with wingers Vinicius Jr. and Rodrygo as a front two. Then when Kylian Mbappe arrived on a free transfer from Paris Saint-Germain, in 2024/2025, it was often a front three containing the Brazilians and the Frenchman as a central number 9. Towards the end of the season, Ancelotti appeared to show more trust in Guler by putting him on the right side of the trident as Rodrygo was frozen out for key matches such as the Spanish top flight title-deciding episode of El Clasico won 4-3 by the Catalans in Montjuic. He also never hesitated to praise the 20-year-old in public, and tipped him for great things in May. "Arda Güler has made tremendous progress. He's showing his quality and gaining consistency. I believe he can become an exceptional midfielder, because there are very few at his level. He will be very important for the future of Real Madrid," Ancelotti predicted. Since then, however, the UCL's most successful coach of all time has taken the Brazil national team manager's post while Alonso now mans the dugout at the Club World Cup. It is there that Guler has enjoyed increased prominence, which has made the youngster happier in a more central '10' role, as he has already stated in public. 'Yes, of course,' Guler answered when asked to confirm whether he is more content. 'I like to play in the center more, and I'm enjoying it a lot, I hope it continues like this.' Guler confirmed that Alonso likes him 'to play as a '10'' to 'lead and improve the team'. 'For me the scheme doesn't change much, whether it's with two or three strikers. I like to be behind, to get into the game, I enjoy it in any way,' Guler also commented, while expecting a 'difficult match' against Dortmund because 'they have good players'. Having said this, Guler is 'sure that they can win' the quarterfinal tie against the German and set up a last four showdown with either Paris Saint-Germain or Bayern Munich. Despite Guler's new role, Rodrygo's Real Madrid future remains uncertain Despite Guler being in a more central midfield role, Rodrygo's future at Real Madrid remains uncertain. The Santos academy graduate is on the outside looking in from the bench, and remains linked with a move to the Premier League.
Yahoo
2 days ago
- Sport
- Yahoo
Xabi Alonso gives insight on how he will improve Arda Guler and Aurelien Tchouameni's role
Real Madrid manager Xabi Alonso has revealed how he intends to improve Arda Guler, as he adapts to a new role in the middle of midfield. The Turkish teenager has to a degree been handed the reins of the team with the ball at his feet, but there have been question marks over how he will respond without the ball. The 20-year-old has looked content, and performed well so far in the Club World Cup, securing a starting spot alongside Jude Bellingham and Fede Valverde in midfield. Alonso acknowledged that Guler might not have the physical capacity to battle with others for the ball defensively, but explained how he would be working with him to improve his work without possession. Advertisement 'Try to anticipate rather than be reactive. If the position is better, you get to the duel sooner and you don't have to beat them physically. We know Arda will make mistakes during this learning process, but he'll also do good thinks.' 'It's also a time to invest in a process, in Arda's development. He's doing well, and we keep pushing him. We want him gain experience, mature, and be able to make mistakes. Let him accept them because they're part of his development if we want to have a strong Arda in that area.' Image via Real Madrid CF Midfield debate at Real Madrid Whether Real Madrid need a specialist at the base of midfield is an ongoing debate both in the media and internally at the Santiago Bernabeu. Aurelien Tchouameni, one of the players that could play there, has been used in the back three though. Alonso explained that he had not earmarked Tchouameni for that role, but has stood out for ability to adapt. Advertisement 'I'd seen him a lot, but in the end, you have to get to know him. He has the ability to adapt; he's very intelligent when it comes to understanding concepts. His position is very important to me, so we can be strong in the middle.' Tchouameni can play 'hybrid' role One of the details that stood out against Juventus was Tchouameni's move forward in the second, closer to midfield. That allowed Los Blancos more control of the game, and Alonso was asked about what nuances he has been adding to the Frenchman's game. 'Time is very short. I think Aurelien can be a hybrid, one way at one stage and another way at another. That richness gives us more options.' Image via Getty Images / Goal Advertisement Flexibility is the name of the game for Alonso It is the second time that Alonso has expressly mentioned a tactical 'richness' that he seeks through certain players, or the ability to change shape. In his first press conference at the Bernabeu, Alonso also stated that he wanted his side to be flexible across games, and able to adapt to situations. That will be on show again as Los Blancos take on Borussia Dortmund in the Club World Cup quarter-final on Saturday night at 22:00 CEST.
France 24
2 days ago
- Sport
- France 24
Mbappe 'better' and ready for Real Madrid against Dortmund at Club World Cup
Mbappe missed all three group matches at the tournament with a stomach bug but returned as a substitute when Madrid edged Juventus 1-0 to reach the last eight. Youngster Gonzalo Garcia has led the line for Madrid in all four games and scored three goals in the United States. "He's better, he's been recovering, tomorrow morning we will decide (if he starts)," Alonso told reporters Friday, before saying it might not mean 21-year-old Gonzalo had to drop out of the team. "They can (play together), depending on the moment and the needs, they are complementary, if the context asks for it and I haven't ruled it out by any means," continued Alonso. The Spaniard said he wanted the players "to know first" before revealing what his plans were for the match at the MetLife Stadium in New Jersey. Brazilian winger Rodrygo has not featured much in Alonso's plans at the tournament and when he has appeared, has not been able to contribute significantly. "I spoke yesterday with him and he's got a positive mentality, he's willing and ready when he's needed," said Alonso. One player who has impressed Alonso is 20-year-old playmaker Arda Guler, who struggled for game-time under Carlo Ancelotti last season. "It's the moment to invest in a process with Arda, we will push him to develop and mature, but knowing that he can make mistakes, and accept them," added the Spaniard. Saturday's game is a repeat of the 2024 UEFA Champions League final, in which Madrid defeated Dortmund 2-0 at Wembley. If Dortmund do not retain fond memories of that night, they do enter the contest armed with plenty of knowledge of Real's new coach having come up against Alonso's Bayer Leverkusen over the past three years. Kovac: 'We believe' "You see a lot of Bayer Leverkusen at the moment in Real Madrid because he is implementing his style of football," said Dortmund coach Niko Kovac, with the Spanish giants operating with a back three at the tournament. "He is playing the same shape, but the quality of players is higher than at Leverkusen. "I would say in three weeks you can't change the world, it takes time, but we have seen some very good stuff. It will be interesting and hopefully we can compete." Dortmund are returning to the MetLife Stadium, just outside New York City, where they began their Club World Cup campaign with a 0-0 draw against Fluminense. Now they are hoping to emulate the Brazilians, who qualified for the semi-finals on Friday with a 2-1 victory over Al-Hilal. "When we started the tournament we didn't know how it would go," admitted Kovac, whose team arrived in the United States after finishing fourth in the German Bundesliga. Their only defeat in 14 matches since mid-March came against Barcelona in the Champions League. "Of course we are very happy because this is a great tournament and the further on we go we can see the passion and intensity that there is. "We played Fluminense who have made it to the semis, and yet people laughed when I said they were a top team. "Now we want to stay here and we hope and believe we can get through to the next round." © 2025 AFP
Yahoo
30-06-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
'Turkish Messi' ready to replace Modric at Real Madrid
Arda Guler scored Real Madrid's second goal in a 3-1 win over Pachuca at the Club World Cup [Getty Images] As Real Madrid prepare to face Juventus in the Club World Cup on Tuesday (20:00 BST), it appears one rising star is already a key figure for new boss Xabi Alonso. Nicknamed 'the Turkish Messi', Arda Guler struggled to live up to the hype last season under Carlo Ancelotti, but the 20-year-old is enjoying a fresh lease of life following the arrival of the Italian's replacement. Advertisement BBC Sport examines the rise, fall and resurgence of a player blessed with enough talent to become one of the world's best. 2024-25: Guler's lost season This time last year, Guler looked poised to take a pivotal role in the regeneration of Real's midfield. The former Fenerbahce starlet had finished his first season in Spain in fine style, scoring six goals in just 10 La Liga appearances to aid his team's title triumph. Guler further impressed at Euro 2024 for Turkey, most notably with a goal of the tournament contender as he showcased his smooth technique by curling home a delicious 25-yard strike against Georgia. Advertisement Right then, he appeared ready to follow in the footsteps of Real team-mates like Vinicius Jr, Fede Valverde and Eduardo Camavinga: teenage recruits from abroad who were signed for their huge potential and quickly blossomed into key performers. But it didn't happen. Instead, 2024-25 turned into a lost season. Ancelotti rarely trusted Guler in big games, with his lack of importance underlined when he was an unused substitute for both legs of Real's Champions League quarter-final exit to Arsenal. Guler finished the season with less than 1,800 minutes played in all competitions – the squad's second-lowest tally (aside from long-term injury absentees) – to spark speculation he may seek to revive his career by leaving Madrid. Advertisement But then came Ancelotti's departure, Alonso's appointment, and so far nobody has benefited more than Guler. Replacing Modric in the middle? Part of Guler's problem in establishing himself under Ancelotti was uncertainty over his best position. The youngster flitted between a central role and the right-wing berth that he occupied during his early days – which also gave rise to the comparisons with Lionel Messi, for his ability to cut inside and shoot or create with his cultured left foot. Guler himself has stated a preference for playing inside, where he has more opportunities to touch the ball and influence play. Advertisement Alonso agrees, stating the player "needs to be close to the ball", and selecting him in that role for Real's last two group games - victories over Pachuca and RB Salzburg - with Luka Modric, Dani Ceballos and Brahim Diaz left on the bench. Granted his wish, Guler responded with a pair of fine performances. After netting the second goal against Pachuca he was also instrumental in downing the Austrians, completing more passes than any other player during his time on the field. In both those games, Guler was replaced midway through the second half by Modric. It felt symbolic: the old master relegated to the role of understudy, tasked with protecting the energy reserves of the man who has taken his place. Modric will leave Real immediately after the Club World Cup, with AC Milan his likely destination. Current evidence suggests Alonso has replaced him already. Luka Modric replaced Guler in Madrid's recent victories over Pachuca and RB Salzburg [Getty Images] Quality, mentality and 'big things in store' Wolves boss Vitor Pereira is among those convinced Guler will become a world superstar – and he knows better than most. Advertisement The Portuguese gave Guler, then just 16, his debut with Fenerbahce in 2021, and recalls he was immediately aware of the youngster's rare ability. "He reminded me of James Rodriguez when I coached him at the age of 19, recently arrived at Porto," Pereira told Spanish newspaper Marca last week. "They are two players with exceptional talent. "He [Guler] was a boy among men, but every time he received the ball he found the final pass. And if he made a mistake, he asked for the ball back to try again." Pereira doesn't believe the comparison with Messi has much merit, instead agreeing with the player himself – and apparently Alonso – that he should be given the central midfield role previously occupied by Modric. Advertisement "I always saw him more as an eight or a 10 because of his ability to unbalance opposition between the lines," he added. "He's intelligent, he looks for solutions before he receives the ball, he can play long or short, he can make the final pass or shoot from long range. "He understands the game and always wants to know more. I can definitely see him playing instead of Modric." And the difficulties encountered by Guler last season have done nothing to dampen Pereira's expectations of his former player's potential. "Coming to Real Madrid, with so many top-quality players, isn't easy," he concluded. "But he'll find his place. I have no doubt his future has big things in store. He's got the quality and mentality to become a main protagonist." Advertisement Less than a month into Alonso's reign, that process is already unfolding. And if he shines in the last-16 tie against Juventus, it would be another sign Guler is ready to take the football world by storm.
