Arda Güler is one of the world’s most exciting talents in recent years. The 18-year-old Turkish midfielder plays for Fenerbahçe SK in the Turkish Süper Lig. He was a rotational player for Fenerbahçe to start off the season but conquered a place in the starting line-up in the last months. Güler also made his debut for the Turkish national team. The Ankara-born midfielder has a release clause of €17.500.000.
Arda Güler stands at around 1.76 meters with an average build. He is lightning quick on the first meters, bursting away from his opponents while also maintaining that speed over longer distances. Güler has a low centre of gravity. He is very agile and changes directions quickly. The midfielder struggles in physical duels against strong opponents, as he is not the strongest. Arda Güler is weak in aerial duels, as his jumping reach is average and he seemingly is not comfortable engaging in aerial duels.
The Turkish midfielder, who is often used as a right-winger, is extremely technically gifted. It is especially remarkable how consistent he is technically. Güler rarely mishits a pass, whether it is an easy short pass or a risky through pass. Even though his weaker right foot is good, he likes to play outside of the boot passes on his left. Arda Güler has incredible close control in tight areas, he almost always manages to find a solution even when multiple opponents are marking him. His shooting from range is very good, he often manages to hit the target.
Arda Güler likes to operate in the right half-space, finding space between the lines well and creating space for himself. Güler, from that area, likes to play quick combinations down the middle or to look for a through pass. His incredible vision allows him to find his teammates in space and to create multiple chances per game. During the times that he plays on the outside, Güler is capable of dribbling past his marker on both the in- and outside. However, he definitely prefers to dribble past his marker on the inside. On the outside, Güler mostly attempts to cross the ball into the box with his right foot. His crosses from deeper areas on his left foot are far more dangerous. Though, he also manages to create chances with his right foot after dribbling past his marker on the outside.
The Turkish midfielder prefers to come short and receive the ball on the ground, but when the ball is on the left wing he is also capable of making good runs into the box, mostly on the left-back’s blindside. Güler also is an adept presser, making the right decisions and using his speed and good timing to intercept the ball in either the midfield or attacking third.
Arda Güler is a world-class talent who will be a starter for one of the world’s biggest clubs in a few years time. As he still needs to develop his physique at the age of 18, he would be better off going to a stepping stone club like AFC Ajax. The Dutch league is not that physical, and with the Amsterdam-based club always playing European football, he can gain experience in Europe too.
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