Arda Guler

Turkish wonderkid completes move to Real Madrid

- Nick Bidwell

Spanish giants Real Madrid had two good reasons to celebrate when recently securing a €20 million deal for the left-footed Turkish boy wonder Arda Guler.

First and foremost, Los Blancos have landed an amazing talent in the 18-year-old ex-Fenerbahce starlet, a Messi-like virtuoso with the ability to run rings around opponents. All quick feet, subterfuge and elusiveness, he can wriggle free in the tightest of spots, he is effective both through the middle and out wide, plays with an incredible clarity of thought and, as the ribbon on the package, takes a brilliant free-kick.

But as well as securing the services of one of the most spectacular young players on the planet, Real also secured a win by beating their eternal rivals Barcelona to Guler’s signature. Barca’s new sporting director Deco had been very confident of striking a deal for the youngster, only for Real to move unobtrusively to the front of the queue at the eleventh hour.