Real Madrid have another gem on their hands in midfielder Arda Guler, and he continued to show his class in a stunning Euro 2024 debut.
The 19-year-old started for Turkey in their opening group game against Georgia, and proved decisive as he scored an outstanding long-range effort to help win the game 3-1.
The midfielder spent most of this season injured, but came back in the late stages of the season to impress in La Liga, and looks destined to become a superstar in the future.
His playing style and his Turkish background has meant that he has drawn comparisons to Real Madrid icon Mesut Ozil, who was a huge success in his three years at the Santiago Bernabeu, and former Germany star has now sent a message to Guler following his incredible performance on the International stage.
Mesut Ozil sends message to Arda Guler after Turkey beat Georgia at Euro 2024
Ozil was clearly enjoying the game, as he took to X after Guler made it 2-1 to Turkey in Dortmund with his left-footed strike which found the top corner.
“Ardaaaaaaa…. !!!” Ozil posted.
Ozil joined Real Madrid in 2010 after a stunning first International tournament in the World Cup, and Guler is following his footsteps as a prodigal playmaking talent.
Arda Guler is following in Mesut Ozil’s footsteps at Real Madrid
The teenager’s playing style is remarkably similar to Ozil’s, as a technically gifted creative midfielder with an eye for an assist.
Ozil recorded 81 assists in just three seasons at Real Madrid, quickly becoming one of the best players in the World. Guler has high expectations to live up to his idol, and he will hope that next season is one which is less disrupted by injury.
Ozil quickly became a regular starter under Jose Mourinho despite the presence of Kaka and later Luka Modric in the squad, and Guler also has tough competition for a place, but if he continues performing at the level he has showed so far, he may become impossible for Carlo Ancelotti to drop.