End of a fairytale campaign for Turkey as they advanced through several tough opponents to force an entry into the Quarter-finals of Euro 2024. Turkey played against the Netherlands in Berlin for a spot in the last 8.
After a commanding presence in the early moments of the game, the Oranje started to fall apart as the Black Horses of European football, the Turks, took over. When talking of the Turkish attack, the best attacker must be brought into consideration, and it was no one else than Real Madrid’s star teenager, Arda Guler.
The 19-year-old plays as an attacking midfielder for the Los Blancos, though he deserves much more than just being on the bench. He proved his self-worth in the Euro 2024 with Turkey, as he went on to mark his electrifying presence on the field.
Playing against the Netherlands, Guler commanded in their half as he sparked before setting up Turkey’s first goal, which he delivered superiorly with a searching cross only for Akaydin to head it in. He almost doubled the score, as Guler’s free kick was almost a rocket strike, which was denied by Verbruggen.
After a bright 2022–23 season with Fenerbahce, several big clubs recognized his immense potential. Though competing with teams like Barcelona, Arsenal, and Dortmund, the Los Angeles side signed the stunning youngster at a whopping amount for an astonishing 6-year contract. However, misfortunes sparked as he was injured in Madrid’s pre-season, thus delaying his debut in the La Liga.
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Ancelotti will however have to feature him in the starting XI, as he is too good a talent to be warming the bench for Madrid. With Mbappe, Vinicius, Endrick, and Rodrygo already ready to star in the forward line, the so-called “Turkish Messi” must find a place playing alongside Bellingham and Valverde in the midfield.
However, many things would be anticipated from the next Real Madrid pre-season in July, but going into it a confident Guler has set great standards for himself with his stunning campaign for the Turkish side, though it has come to an unfortunate end as he played the best leg against the Oranje.
