Arda Güler, the 18-year-old Turkish starlet, was a surprise signing for Real Madrid this summer, as there was very little news surrounding him potentially joining Madrid prior to the week that he signed. When the rumors did begin to swirl, most, if not all, Madrid fans were overjoyed at the prospect of signing such a talent, and especially from right under the noses of arch-rivals Barcelona, who had sent a delegation including club legend Deco to convince the player to join the Catalan club. Eventually, Güler was announced as a Madrid player on July 6^th, joining the team for a fee of €20m. However, Güler’s debut with the club was delayed considerably after some muscular injuries caused him to miss the whole of 2023. With Güler’s eventual debut on the first match of 2024 vs Mallorca – as he is called up, it’s time to look over what made Real Madrid sign him in the first place, and what he will offer the team.

Style of play and strengths:

Güler is the prototypical winger/10 hybrid, who can start both in an attacking midfield and wing role. Being left-footed, most of Güler’s starts for Fenerbahçe came as the right-winger in a 4-4-2, while for Turkey Güler has started as a 10 in a 4-2-3-1. While he started on the right for Fenerbahçe, Güler did not play like a typical winger. Güler was not tasked with keeping the width or crossing from wide positions, but rather he was given the freedom to combine with his teammates and move centrally. In Fenerbahçe’s on ball shape, Güler did not permanently occupy central zones, but rather moved centrally naturally. Often presenting himself as an option between the lines, or combining with the two attackers, Güler went from winger to no.10 depending on the nature of play.

(Arda Güler’s heatmap. Source: Sofascore)

As can be seen from his heatmap, Güler took up positions mainly on the right wing, but played a considerable portion of his game in central zones. Being a fantastic dribbler as well, averaging 2 successful take-ons per game at a 53% success rate, Güler also utilizes his dribbling to cut inside and move centrally. Güler often has shades of Messi and Bernardo Silva in his dribbling, with his incredible close control, low center of gravity and rapid changes of direction. Güler’s acceleration is also a deadly weapon in his arsenal, as oftentimes his ability to immediately burst past his man despite not having the fastest of top end speeds helps him create separation from his man, or to even start a fast break. In 1v1 situations or in a 50-50 duel for a loose ball, Güler’s skill and acceleration allows him to be a very successful player in such situations. Güler’s technical excellence extends to his passing capabilities as well. A very creative player, who averaged 2 key passes per game last season, Güler’s chance creation goes in tandem with his dribbling abilities. Most of the chances that Güler creates come after he creates separation from or straight up beats his man, and produces a through ball or a lofted ball over the top. Although Güler starts mostly on the right, his playstyle is akin to Isco at Madrid, as both often used their gravity to attract defenders, used their skill in tight spaces to beat their man/beat the press, and both are roaming presences in possession.

Another aspect of Güler’s game, one that could have played a big part in drawing the attention of clubs like Real and Barcelona, is his ability to produce something magical. Güler has the ability to score absolute worldies from outside the box, and he did on multiple occasions last season. Güler’s technique from outside the box is already excellent, and he has the cut-in and finesse shot down to a tee already. This ability to produce something special extends to his chance creation as well. Last season Güler had an assist after beating two players in his own half and producing a trivela through ball that looked straight out of Modrić’s playbook. His ability to take multiple players out of the game with his dribbling, and his excellent passing range and technique, makes him a truly special player who can produce something out of nothing.

Fit at Real Madrid:

Güler’s profile fits in very well at Real Madrid, as alongside Brahim, he is the one of only two left footed attackers in the team, and a natural fit on the right-wing if Ancelotti decides to use a 4-3-3 or flat 4-4-2. Currently, Real Madrid operate mainly in a 4-4-2 diamond, and even in that system Güler could slot in perfectly at the 10 position that Bellingham occupies. A different profile from Bellingham, Güler can be a great alternative when the Englishman needs to be subbed off or rested. Güler at 10 or right wing can also work very well with Fede Valverde and a resurgent Carvajal. With Güler often starting out wide on the right and moving centrally given the circumstances of the game, he could drag his marker in-field and create swathes of space for Fede and Carvajal to exploit. Similarly to how Vinicius’ gravity often creates space for Mendy or Fran, Güler could produce similar effects on the other flank. With Benzema having left in the summer, Güler’s being a creative option has added importance this season. Güler produced 5 goals and 4 assists in all competitions last season, which may not be that high, but it is important to remember that he was 17 for the majority of the season, and at Madrid he will be playing with far better teammates.

Overall, Güler is a player whose profile and skillset could fit in very well at Madrid, and his potential to be a spark off the bench is a very exciting prospect. It would be fair to assume that his role this season will not be very big, if used properly, he could be an important contributor to the team, especially once the games begin to pile-up at the end of the season. His potential to be a future superstar cannot be overlooked as well, as his potential 3 or 4 years from now is what Real Madrid really signed him for.