Real Madrid -legend Toni Kroos has supported the rising star Arda Guler to have a crucial season under Xabi Alonso.
Alonso is impressed by his return to Madrid, after he has matched a deal to replace Carlo Ancelotti in May, but his team remains a work in progress.
A thunderous 4-0 FIFA Club World Cup defeat against PSG in the semi-finals of the tournament that is explained how much there is to do in the Spanish capital.
The club has already supported Alonso in the summer transfer market with Trent Alexander-Arnold and Dean Huijsen Landen from Liverpool and Bournemouth.
Argentina International Franco Mastantuono will complete his move to Madrid when he turns 18 in August, but Kroos has previously suggested that Alonso is missing a player who is similar to himself.
Alonso has played its midfield options in the US, granted Arda Guler a greater role, in which the Turkey International was used in a midfield slot.
Guler attracted attention in North America, in his favorite central position, alongside Jude Bellingham and Fede Valverde.
However, he was caught several times in defensive situations on the side of Luis Enrique, with Bellingham openly frustrated over how PSG broke past him.
Kroos has supported Guler to learn from experience and ultimately his attacking influence are defensive shortcomings in balance.
“If you have such a player who can play between the lines, I think it's okay with turning an eye when he loses a duel,” he said on the Einfach Mal Luppen podcast.
“The most important thing is that he is clear about his role and participates in the team's defensive effort.
“Alonso has given him a lot of playing time so far. Last season he was ready for football, but physically he took a step forward.”
Guler only succeeded one goal at the World Cup, but he put a few assists on the quartz of the quarter on Borussia Dortmund.