On their BBC show “The Rest Is Football,” former footballers Gary Lineker and Micah Richards couldn’t stop praising Turkish youngster Arda Guler.
The 19-year-old impressed with a goal against Georgia and an assist in their Euro 2024 quarter-final win over Austria on Tuesday.
READ: Who is Arda Guler? The 18-year-old ‘Turkish Messi’ Wanted by Europe’s Biggest Clubs
Richards highlighted Guler’s talent, while Lineker commended Turkey’s overall performance. Statistics show Guler’s well-rounded contribution, winning duels, dribbling past opponents, making tackles, and creating scoring chances.
He joined Wayne Rooney and Cristiano Ronaldo as one of three teenage players to score and provide an assist at a European championship.
Richards said: “We can’t move on without talking about Real Madrid’s Guler. Oh my! 19 years of age! He’s a superstar, and it’s not just because he scored that worldie in the group stages where he bent it from 30 yards. It’s the way he manipulates the ball and he keeps the ball for the team, plays the right pass at the right time. He’s going to be the next big thing, I think.”
Lineker continued: “Incredible talent, eh? He’s at Real Madrid for a reason. Turkiye, I’ve really enjoyed watching them. I’ve really enjoyed their fans.”
Guler was the talk of the town after his brilliant Euro 2024 debut in the 3-1 win over Georgia scoring a contender for goal of the tournament.
The Turkish international shone again in the 2-1 win over Austria playing as a make shift false nine. Guler held up play well, provided an assist and was involved in the opening goal.
His performance helped Turkey reach their first major tournament quarter-final since 2008.
Guler is likely to star in the quarter-final clash against the Netherlands next in Berlin.
