Title: Arda Guler: The Rising Star Dubbed the ‘Turkish Messi’ Set for European Giants
Introduction:
Arda Guler, the talented teenager from Fenerbahce, is making waves in the football world. At just 18 years old, he has already been compared to the legendary Lionel Messi and is attracting interest from top clubs across Europe. With a bargain price tag of €17.5 million (£15m) due to a clause in his contract, the race for his signature is heating up. In this article, we will explore Guler’s journey, his playing style, and the clubs vying for his talent.
Heading 1: The Rise of Arda Guler
Heading 2: From Genclerbirligi to Fenerbahce
Heading 3: Catching the Eye of Fenerbahce
Heading 4: The Turkish Messi or the Next Mesut Ozil?
Heading 5: Recognition from Football Legends
Heading 6: Impressive Performances and International Success
Heading 7: The Future Awaits Arda Guler
Heading 1: The Rise of Arda Guler
Arda Guler’s journey to stardom began in 2019 when he joined Fenerbahce from his boyhood club, Genclerbirligi. At just 14 years old, he showcased his talents during a training session and immediately caught the attention of the coaches. Since then, he has risen through the ranks and is now considered one of the most promising young players in Turkey.
Heading 2: From Genclerbirligi to Fenerbahce
Guler’s father revealed that his son was advised to join Genclerbirligi by his physical education teacher. Despite the distance between their home and the training facilities, they decided to give it a try. Guler’s skills were evident from the first training session, and he quickly became an integral part of the team. However, when Fenerbahce came calling, Guler made the switch to the Yellow Canaries.
Heading 3: Catching the Eye of Fenerbahce
During an Under-14s tournament in Riva, a small town outside Istanbul, Guler’s skills and character caught the attention of Serhat Pekmezci, the former youth coordinator at Fenerbahce. Despite suffering a serious ankle injury during the game, Guler’s determination and talent impressed Pekmezci. He immediately recommended signing Guler to Fenerbahce’s sporting director, Damien Comolli. Eventually, the chairman, Ali Koc, watched a video of Guler and agreed that he was a talent not to be missed.
Heading 4: The Turkish Messi or the Next Mesut Ozil?
Guler has been compared to both Lionel Messi and Mesut Ozil due to his playing style. Like Messi, he possesses exceptional skills, vision, and passing ability for his age. On the other hand, his left foot and technical abilities have drawn comparisons to former Arsenal star Mesut Ozil. Guler’s father revealed that he encouraged his son to use his left foot more by placing balloons and footballs in front of it. These comparisons highlight Guler’s immense potential and versatility on the field.
Heading 5: Recognition from Football Legends
Arda Guler’s talent has not gone unnoticed by football legends. Mesut Ozil himself, who played with Guler at Fenerbahce, believes that he has the potential to become a “world star.” Former Fatih Karagumruk boss Pirlo also praised Guler, stating that he is a very talented player with the potential to play anywhere in the world. These endorsements from established players and coaches further solidify Guler’s status as a rising star.
Heading 6: Impressive Performances and International Success
Since making his first-team debut for Fenerbahce in the 2021/22 season, Guler has made 51 appearances, scoring nine goals and providing 12 assists in all competitions. He became Fenerbahce’s youngest-ever goalscorer with a stunning volley against Alanyaspor in March 2022. Guler has also broken into the Turkish national team and recently scored a brilliant individual goal against Wales in the Euro 2024 qualifiers. These performances have further boosted his reputation and attracted interest from top clubs.
Heading 7: The Future Awaits Arda Guler
With his impressive performances and potential, it is no surprise that Arda Guler is attracting interest from clubs across Europe. Premier League sides Arsenal, Manchester City, Liverpool, and Newcastle have all been linked with a move for the talented teenager. Additionally, European giants such as Real Madrid, Barcelona, AC Milan, Bayern Munich, and Paris Saint-Germain are reportedly interested in securing his signature. It seems inevitable that Guler will leave Turkey for greener pastures, with offers expected to reach €20-30 million.
Conclusion:
Arda Guler’s rise to stardom has been nothing short of remarkable. Dubbed the ‘Turkish Messi’ and compared to Mesut Ozil, he has caught the attention of top clubs across Europe. With his exceptional skills, vision, and versatility on the field, Guler has the potential to become a world-class player. As the race for his signature heats up, it remains to be seen which club will secure his services and witness his talent flourish on the biggest stage.