Football News: Arda Guler Poised for Breakthrough at Euro 2024 After Challenging Madrid Season
As the football world turns its attention to the upcoming Euro 2024 tournament, one name that has been generating significant buzz is that of Arda Guler. The 19-year-old Turkish sensation recently joined the illustrious ranks of Real Madrid, one of the world’s biggest clubs, in a deal worth €20m plus €10m in incentives.
Guler’s journey to the top has not been without its challenges. After a promising start to his Madrid career, the young midfielder was plagued by a series of injuries, including a meniscus knee injury, a hamstring tear, and a thigh problem. This setback meant that Guler had to wait until January to make his first appearance for the club, coming on as a substitute in a Copa del Rey match against fourth-tier Arandina.
“Arda has a gift,” the Italian tactician said, while also acknowledging the teenager’s struggles with “being depressed and disappointed” during his injury-ravaged start.
As the season progressed, Guler’s opportunities at the Bernabéu were limited, with Ancelotti, the Madrid manager, reluctant to disrupt the winning formula of a squad that clinched the Champions League title. However, in the final weeks of the campaign, Guler seized his chance, scoring a flurry of goals and showcasing his exceptional technical ability.
Now, as Guler prepares to represent Turkey at Euro 2024, the stage is set for the young prodigy to truly announce his arrival on the international stage. Turkey coach Vincenzo Montella has been closely monitoring Guler’s progress and believes this tournament could be the perfect platform for the midfielder to shine.
“We’re following him closely and he is playing very little,” Montella said. “Hopefully he can play more now because he has a lot of talent. It would be better for Real Madrid, the national team and for Arda Guler if he plays more.”
With the added experience of winning the Champions League with Madrid, Guler may well be the missing piece in Turkey’s Euro 2024 puzzle. As Ancelotti himself acknowledged, “He’s going to be a very important player for us in the future. There’s no doubt: he’s staying next year. We have a lot of affection for him.”
The stage is set for Arda Guler to make his mark on the European Championship, and football fans around the world will be eagerly watching to see if this young talent can deliver on the promise that has captivated the sport.
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