Real Madrid legend sees ‘a lot of himself’ in club’s rising midfield sensation | OneFootball

The competition for a spot in Real Madrid’s midfield is tighter than it appears and one look at the bench clarifies the same.

While Aurelien Tchouameni and Federico Valverde have played in defence in recent weeks, they are placed as regular starting midfielders when the squad is complete.

Adding Luka Modric, Dani Ceballos, Jude Bellingham and Eduardo Camavinga to that list, it is clear why Arda Guler is not receiving much prominence despite racking up good numbers for Los Blancos.

Ozil’s praise

Speaking to the media in a recent interview, Real Madrid and Turkey legend Mesut Ozil praised Real Madrid midfielder Arda Guler and called him a special talent.

“I see a lot of myself in Arda Guler,” he said via TRT Spor, in what comes as high praise for the youngster.

Mesut Ozil has praised Arda Guler. (Photo by Angel Martinez/Getty Images)

Elaborating on the importance of such young stars in today’s world of football, he added, “We need to protect talents like him.”

Despite continuous injuries at Real Madrid, Guler has not had too many minutes under Carlo Ancelotti this season and the manager’s utilisation of his services has seriously been called into question.

Struggling for minutes

So far this season, he has only started six games and has 16 appearances in La Liga, with one goal and three assists to show.

His last appearance came in the Copa del Rey clash against Leganes and he has stayed on the bench in the team’s next three games.

With his struggle for minutes not improving, it remains to be seen if the player pushes for an exit in the summer.

Given his will to fight, however, he may well opt to stay and prove himself under Ancelotti and wait until his opportunity to shine arrives.