Xabi Alonso has lauded Arda Guler’s impact, stating the 20-year-old gives Real Madrid "a better team dynamic" following the 1-0 Champions League win over Juventus on Wednesday. The manager also praised Jude Bellingham, who scored the winner, as "one of the most complete" players in the world after recovering from injury. Alonso also discussed defensive resilience and the upcoming Clasico.
Alonso: Guler 'gives great meaning to the game'
Bellingham’s 57th-minute strike, his first goal since returning from injury, was enough to secure all three points against the Serie A side, preserving Madrid's perfect start in the league phase of the competition.
Alonso reserved special praise for 20-year-old Guler, who started the match and has impressed since Alonso's arrival as head coach.
"Arda is in the process of improving everything," Alonso stated in his post-match press conference. "He's 20 years old and has already played a few games for Madrid. With his age and quality, we have to support him. He needs to improve his decision-making and pressing, but he has a lot of good qualities.
"He gives great meaning to the game. When he's involved, we have a better team dynamic… I'm very happy with his progress, but we want more. He really enjoys playing football. He wants to find the pass, take the free kick… [Florian] Wirtz was like that at Leverkusen. He's young, but he's a great player."
Guler has now contributed four goals and seven assists across 18 appearances in all competitions.
AdvertisementGetty Images SportBellingham 'lifts weight' with decisive goal
The match-winner, Bellingham, also received significant backing from his manager. The England international, who had been working his way back to full fitness, scored the crucial goal by reacting quickest to a rebound.
"I'm very happy for Jude. After his injury, he needed a good game. Aside from the goal, he played very well, in intermediate positions. We found him very well in the second half. I'm very happy for him," Alonso said. "He played a very complete game. There was no space. Finding him between the lines was difficult… And he scored. I'm very happy for him; he enjoyed himself and was competitive."
When asked about Bellingham's best position, Alonso defined him as the total midfielder, adding: "He's a midfielder, with the quality to build and the determination to finish. He's the kind of player who covers a lot of ground. He has many different qualities. That's why he's so complete, one of the most complete in the world."
Courtois and Militao vital in narrow Juventus win
Despite Real Madrid dominating possession and registering 26 shots to Juventus's 11, the match remained a tight 1-0 affair. Alonso admitted his side failed to secure a second goal and praised key players, Thibaut Courtois and Eder Militao, for securing the clean sheet.
"We have a great goalkeeper, he has the quality we've used on important Champions League nights. He comes through in key moments," Alonso said of Courtois, who made six saves.
Alonso also revealed a moment of concern regarding Militao, who has recently returned to top form. "That play… As a spectator, it was a spectacle. I was praying he wouldn't get sent off, and then there was Thibaut."
The manager hailed the Brazilian defender's recovery as a massive boost for the squad. "It's hard to compare, but for everyone, having Militao back at this level is tremendous news. We're seeing it. We see it every game. That he's recovered those sensations makes us very happy; he feels more powerful and more determined. I think he'll only get better."
Getty ImagesWhat next for Real Madrid?
The Champions League victory provides a strong foundation as Real Madrid immediately turns its attention to a crucial domestic fixture. Los Blancos host Barcelona in the first El Clasico of the season on Sunday.
"We're doing well, let's see this week," Alonso commented on the team's momentum. "It's the Clasico, it means a lot. For the game, for qualification… We know the significance of Sunday's match."
The manager remained tight-lipped on the fitness of other players, stating an update on Raul Asencio, who was substituted, would come tomorrow. When asked if Dean Huijsen would be fit for El Clasico, Alonso simply replied: "I'll tell you on Saturday."