Real Madrid News
Real Madrid youngster receives praise from Barcelona midfielder: “Similar to Mesut Ozil”
Speaking in an interview with Turkish outlet AA SPOR, Barcelona and Germany midfielder Ilkay Gundogan has claimed that Real Madrid starlet Arda Guler reminds him of Mesut Ozil and has a bright future in the game.
Guler joined Real Madrid this past summer, arriving from Fenerbahce. The 18-year-old could very well have become Gundogan’s teammate at Barça, but Los Blancos beat their arch-rivals to his signing.
However, injuries have meant that the teenage prodigy is yet to make his debut for the Merengues, but he continues to be held in the highest regard within the football community.
Gundogan speaks highly of Guler
Germany, led by Gundogan, are set to take on Turkey in an international friendly later this week.
If fit, Guler would have been part of the Turkey squad, but his injury has meant that he was not called up for the upcoming matches.
And Gundogan was asked about his opinion of the Real Madrid starlet, to which he said: “I talked to Rüdiger, he likes Arda very much. Yes, he had physical issues and because of injuries he couldn’t start the season. But he is very talented.
Not stopping at that Gundogan went on to add that Guler was very similar to former Real Madrid and Germany midfielder, Mesut Ozil.
“Arda Guler is similar to Mesut Ozil. Even Ozil said the same thing. Arda’s future is bright,” he added.
That is steep praise coming from one of the best midfielders in Europe, who led Manchester City to a treble last season.
When will Guler return?
Since joining Real Madrid in the summer, Guler has succumbed to three injuries, the latest one coming earlier this month.
Given his recurring fitness issues, Real Madrid have decided not to take any risks and have not set a specific return date for the 18-year-old.
But it has been suggested that the Turkish prodigy could make a comeback after the mid-season Christmas break.
Real Madrid are back in the Champions League following their impressive win against Cadiz on the weekend as they host Napoli at the Santiago Bernabeu for gameweek five.
They have already secured qualification to the round of 16, and even a point today would secure first place in the group.
With several players still injured, Carlo Ancelotti has opted for his best available starting lineup, with Daniel Carvajal taking responsibility of the captain’s armband at right-back. He will be aided by Ferland Mendy, who starts on the other side.
Meanwhile, in between them, David Alaba returns to the fold as the starting centre-back, partnering Antonio Rudiger. This duo has the responsibility of screening Andriy Lunin, who continues in goal in Kepa and Thibaut Courtois’ absence.
With both Eduardo Camavinga and Aurelien Tchouameni out, Toni Kroos gets the chance to play as the holding midfielder for two games in a row. Federico Valverde retains his spot, as well, while Dani Ceballos comes in for the injured Luka Modric in central midfield.
Rodrygo will spearhead the team’s frontline as one of the two twin forwards, while Brahim Diaz gets the nod over Joselu. Jude Bellingham is the final, and arguably the most important piece of the puzzle, playing behind the front-two.
📋✅ Our starting 𝗫𝗜!
— Real Madrid C.F. 🇬🇧🇺🇸 (@realmadriden) November 29, 2023
🆚 @en_sscnapoli #UCL pic.twitter.com/MarLb7TavA
Confirmed Madrid XI: Lunin; Carvajal, Rudiger, Alaba, Mendy; Valverde, Kroos, Ceballos; Bellingham; Diaz, Rodrygo
