Arda Güler thinks fast and thinks strangely, but he thinks well. When the ball passes through him he improves, he synthesizes and adds danger to the game. He has the body of a child, the charisma of an artist and his relationship with the goal fits the saying “where he puts his eye, he puts the bullet”. With this background he has become one of the great attractions of the Euro, he has driven Turkey crazy and the Real Madrid fans have taken him seriously.
But we are facing a case that defines the serious differences that exist between the feeling of the fan and the current drift of football. The good fan loves the different player. But the applied science that is taking over the game still sees in Arda an insufficient body (he lacks legs), a head that is more creative than obedient (he has plenty of talent) and the immaturity typical of age (which does not ensure regularity). If a player who seduces millions finds resistance in high competition, it will be true that we will end up hating modern football.
Arda is young and, due to his characteristics, will always swim against the new currents of football, which is why he will have to choose very carefully the steps he steps on to stay in the elite. With his body, it would be better for the wise to not be confused: a footballer is made on the field, not in the gym. He will have to strengthen his legs to adapt them to the demands of the highest level, of course, but it would be a mistake to load that body with kilos of muscles that would take away the lightness that his unique talent needs. No matter how much muscle he develops, it is not in this area where he will prevail.
On the other hand, a player of these characteristics deserves a certain freedom to destabilise with his creativity. So when he looks for a destination where he can play with continuity, more important than the club is the coach he chooses. Be careful because there are those allergic to this type of player who can undermine his confidence. Here we enter into a slippery territory that will prevent me from going on holiday to Turkey for some time. But the truth is that maturity is only improved by competing and Real Madrid is not the best place for Arda at the moment. Too much demand. In the few minutes he enjoyed this season he gave exhibitions, but we are talking about inconsequential games. Real Madrid was already champion and his inclusion in the last games was a prize and a consolation for his long wait. He knew how to take advantage of it, but then the final stage of the Champions League came and he disappeared under the harsh law of the highest competition. In the Euro he is contributing with his brilliant strokes when it is his turn to participate and that has increased popular admiration.
The normal thing is to leave this celebrity bathroom confused. But the reality is that the obstacles he faced last season to find a place in Madrid will have to be added to the arrival of Mbappé. Arda must play with continuity and Madrid cannot guarantee it. A few years ago, Martin Odegaard went through the same difficulties and made a living to end up achieving the prestige that his talent deserves. Now it is Arda Güler’s turn to choose his path to the top and he must understand that, although the fans adore him, the clubs decide with a different logic. There are many coaches with knowledge, but few with the sensitivity to train a player with these characteristics. Finding the right one is critical so that Real Madrid’s doors end up opening wide. It’s about knowing how to manage time and, then yes, his great talent will be able to do everything.
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