Real Madrid manager Carlo Ancelotti has heaped praise on young star Arda Güler following the team’s pre-season defeat to AC Milan.

Real Madrid opened the 2024/25 pre-season tour with defeat to AC Milan with a 1-0 scoreline in a friendly in Chicago.

READ: Who is Arda Guler? The 18-year-old ‘Turkish Messi’ Wanted by Europe’s Biggest Clubs

Speaking to the media after the match, Ancelotti highlighted the Turkish midfielder’s progress since joining the club.

The Italian coach expressed his satisfaction with Güler’s physical development and maintained that the player will have a significant role to play in the upcoming season.

Ancelotti emphasized Güler’s versatility, suggesting that the young talent can operate in multiple positions, including as a number 10 or even as a right-back.

The manager also highlighted Güler’s exceptional left foot and his natural inclination for goal scoring.

“He has arrived very well, he worked a lot during the vacations. He has arrived more powerful, more resistant, and with the same quality,” he said responding to a question by Kiyan Sobhani of Managing Madrid.

“This season will be important for him, with more prominence. Arda’s best position is between the lines, he can be a 10, he can be a right back… He shouldn’t play on the left, with that left foot he has.

“If he has the opportunity to shoot, he should do it. In the future, he could be one of the three midfielders.”

With the new season approaching, expectations are high for the young midfielder, who has quickly established himself as a key part of Real Madrid’s future plans.

With Ancelotti talking openly about the role he sees Guler playing next season at Real it seems almost certain now that he will be staying at the club.

Turkish-Football reported last week that Guler wants to stay at Real despite rumours linking him with an exit.

It appears Ancelotti also feels the same way about Guler’s future.