Real Madrid youngster Arda Guler has become a breakout star at Euro 2024, exceeding all expectations and placing himself amongst Europe’s elite.
Guler, initially expected to make cameo appearances for Turkey, has emerged as a key figure in their surprising run to the quarter-finals.
READ: Who is Arda Guler? The 18-year-old ‘Turkish Messi’ Wanted by Europe’s Biggest Clubs
Following their dramatic 2-1 victory over Austria, Guler added another impressive performance to his resume, grabbing an assist that helped secure the win.
Guler also took the corner that resulted in the first goal and although it did not count as an assist he was directly involved.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=p6vd45cq4JE&t=21s
This achievement placed him in a prestigious group – Guler became only the third teenager in Euros history to both score and assist in the same tournament, joining the ranks of Cristiano Ronaldo and Wayne Rooney.
Both Ronaldo (at Euro 2004) and Rooney (also Euro 2004) achieved the feat at the age of 19. Ronaldo contributed two goals and two assists for Portugal, while Rooney’s four goals and one assist helped England reach the quarter-finals, where they fell to Ronaldo’s Portugal.
Guler, already considered a top young talent, joined Real Madrid from Fenerbahce last summer. The 19-year-old has impressed with six goals in 12 games under Carlo Ancelotti and is expected to play a more prominent role for the club next season.
However, before returning to the Bernabéu, Guler remains focused on helping Turkey advance further in the Euros. Their next challenge is a quarter-final clash against the Netherlands, where Guler will undoubtedly be a key player to watch.
Guler is expected to start again versus the Netherlands in the quarter-final game in Berlin playing in a free role as a false nine.
