According to a recent report from Miguel Angel Diaz, Alvaro Arbeloa has just one major dilemma ahead of Real Madrid’s upcoming clash with Benfica.
With Aurelien Tchouameni ready to return to the starting XI, the Madrid coach must decide whether to start Arda Guler or Eduardo Camavinga alongside him in midfield.
At the core of Arbeloa’s rebuild is simplicity. His approach has been centred on maximising the natural qualities of his players rather than forcing them into rigid systems.
Under the former youth team coach, Real Madrid operate as a compact unit, with every player clearly understanding their role both with and without the ball.
That balance was evident in the recent match against Villarreal, where both Camavinga and Guler were included from the start.
On that occasion, Camavinga struggled to find consistency and made several questionable decisions in possession.
Guler, in contrast, stood out with his composure, sharp movement, and ability to influence play in advanced areas.
One of Arbeloa’s key demands is fluidity during transitions. When Madrid break forward, particularly on the counter-attack, he expects numbers to arrive quickly in attacking zones.
This is an area where Guler’s profile fits naturally, as the Turkish international offers creativity and the intelligence to exploit space when opponents are stretched.
However, Arbeloa’s expectations go beyond attacking output. Guler is also required to work hard defensively, support transitions, and help give structure to the midfield when Madrid are without the ball.
As reported before, Arbeloa believes Guler is currently the only player capable of fulfilling this hybrid role on a consistent basis.
As such, the choice ultimately comes down to balance. Camavinga offers control and defensive security, while Guler provides creativity, movement, and attacking intent.
With Benfica expected to test Madrid’s structure, Arbeloa must decide whether to prioritise stability or lean into a more offensive approach.