Barcelona’s Ilkay Gundogan compares Real Madrid player to Mesut Ozil

Real Madrid have been excellent in recent years when it comes to identifying top talents from all around the globe. We have seen Vinicius Jr develop into one of the top ten players in the world and the likes of Eduardo Camavinga, Rodrygo and a few others have that potential too. Jude Bellingham was the reigning Bundesliga Player of the Season when he arrived but even then, his game has gone up several levels at Santiago Bernabeu.

One player who we have yet to see in a Real Madrid jersey is Arda Guler. He was signed from Fenerbahce in the summer but has already picked up three injuries, which have continuously pushed back his debut.

Guler did make a lot of waves when he arrived though and appeared to impress his teammates in training. During his time at Fenerbahce, he was dubbed the ‘Turkish Messi’. And now, Barcelona’s Ilkay Gundogan has compared him to Mesut Ozil.

As reported by GOAL, Gundogan said while speaking to AA SPOR:

"“Guler went to Real Madrid, he is a very talented football player. I talked to Rudiger, he likes Arda very much. Yes, he had physical issues and because of injuries, he couldn’t start the season. But he is very talented. Even Ozil said the same thing. If there is a Turkish football player who is similar to Mesut Ozil, the first name is Arda Guler. I see his future bright.”"

Barcelona’s Ilkay Gundogan compares Real Madrid player to Mesut Ozil

The fact that proven stars like Gundogan and Rudiger rate Guler so highly is a great sign for Real Madrid. They have played in some incredible teams and with some of the best players ever.

So, if they see something in Guler, his talent cannot be in doubt. Now, it remains to be seen if he can translate that onto the pitch.

Guler’s injury problems will certainly be causing Real Madrid some worry though. Yes, he is just 18 years of age and there is no hurry to get him on the pitch. That is fine. But at the same time, one has to wonder how he would adjust to the physicality of top level football. The fact that he has not even made his debut for Los Blancos and has already been injured thrice is not a great sign.