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Over 100 days into Real Madrid’s season, Carlo Ancelotti has a fair idea of the resources at his disposal and how to optimally utilise them. Almost every player in the squad has received the chance to audition, but Arda Guler cannot boast of such an opportunity.
The young Turkish star was widely praised as one of the world’s fastest-rising attacking talents, but life has not been easy for him at Real Madrid.
Spoilt for choice
The race to sign Arda Guler was hard-fought. Real Madrid came out on top eventually, but not without a colossal battle with arch-rivals Barcelona for the young star.
According to reports from Joaquin Maroto, the two Spanish giants were not the only two parties interested in the Turkish phenomenon.
Bayer Leverkusen were also interested in securing his services, giving him the chance to link up with Xabi Alonso and his promising project.
In the end, however, Guler was only torn between the two Spanish giants and signed for Real Madrid eventually in a deal worth €30 million, including add-ons.
Injuries to no end
Guler has had no respite with injuries since the initial meniscal tear he suffered in the preseason. The player went under the blade and recuperated, but suffered a relapse to prolong his recovery period.
Just when it seemed like he was finally set to make his debut for Los Blancos, he fell victim to a quadriceps injury which will keep him out for a month at least.
Real Madrid have taken drastic measures on the medical staff as a result of the player’s repeated relapses, and hope that the player will not affect his mental fortitude by the events.
The goal is to slowly incorporate Guler into the dynamics without putting any pressure on him physically or psychologically.
