In an interview with Turkish source AA SPOR, Barcelona and Germany midfielder Ilkay Gundogan suggested that Real Madrid prospect Arda Guler resembles him of Mesut Ozil and has a promising future.
Guler joined Real Madrid this summer after leaving Fenerbahce. The 18-year-old might have become Gundogan’s teammate at Barça, but Los Blancos outbid their rivals to get him.
However, injuries have prevented the youthful phenom from making his debut for the Merengues, although he remains highly regarded among the football world.
Guler is highly regarded by Gundogan.
Germany will face Turkey in an international friendly later this week, captained by Gundogan.
Guler would have been a member of Turkey’s team if he had been healthy, but his injury has prevented him from being called up for the future fixtures.
And when questioned about the Real Madrid prodigy, Gundogan said, “I talked to Rüdiger, he likes Arda very much.” Yes, he had physical challenges, and due to ailments, he was unable to begin the season. But he has a lot of skill.
Not content with that, Gundogan went on to say that Guler reminded him of former Real Madrid and Germany player Mesut Ozil.
“Arda Guler is comparable to Mesut Ozil.” Ozil also said the same thing. Arda has a bright future,” he remarked.
That is high praise from one of Europe’s top midfielders, who guided Manchester City to a triple last season.
When will Guler be back?
Guler has had three injuries since joining Real Madrid in the summer, the most recent of which occurred earlier this month.
Real Madrid have chosen not to take any chances with the 18-year-old due to his reoccurring fitness difficulties and have not set a definite comeback date for him.
However, it has been reported that the Turkish prodigy might return after the mid-season Christmas break.