Real Madrid legend warns against giving one star the Luka Modric replacement tag.
Real Madrid may have a problem brewing in midfield — and it's not just about replacing a legend. With Luka Modric leaving the club after more than a decade of brilliance, the focus has shifted to young Arda Guler.
But not everyone is convinced he’s ready to fill Modric’s boots. One club icon, in particular, is sounding the alarm.
Former Real Madrid star and sporting director Pedja Mijatovic believes trusting Guler too soon could backfire badly.
Speaking on Cadena SER, he warned the club against rushing the 20-year-old into a role left behind by one of the game's greats.
“Putting Guler in Modric’s position would be suicidal,” Mijatovic said bluntly.
“We have to avoid burning out the young players and give them time to show what they can do.”
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Real Madrid legend explains why Arda Guler could fail to replace Luka Modric
Guler had limited impact last season under Carlo Ancelotti, despite glimpses of promise. He featured in 28 league games, but rarely made headlines.
His standout moment came at the Club World Cup, which sparked talk of a bigger role this season under new manager Xabi Alonso.
But Mijatovic isn’t buying the hype just yet. He pointed out that even Modric took time to settle after arriving in Madrid. He also stressed the need for creativity in the midfield — something he feels the current squad lacks.
“Looking back on everything we’ve been through, we’re lacking creative players,” he said. “You can’t rebuild the team in one summer.”
The Croatian magician left big shoes to fill — probably a few sizes too large for now.
Guler may have the talent, but Real Madrid fans know: pressure at the Bernabeu comes faster than a Toni Kroos pass. And when it hits, it can crush even the brightest prospects.
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Category: General Sports
