Arda Guler to start for Türkiye in UEFA play-offs despite limited mins at Real Madrid
Arda Guler tackles the ball between Hungarian footballers, Budapest, Hungary March 22, 2024 (TFF)
Despite limited playing time under Carlo Ancelotti at Real Madrid, Arda Guler is expected to start for Türkiye in the UEFA Nations League play-off match against Hungary.
As international duty begins following the league break, all eyes will be on the young star. While his lack of match rhythm has been a concern, Türkiye head coach Vincenzo Montella highly values Guler’s game intelligence and will reward him with a spot in the starting lineup.
Arda Guler’s performance in this season
| Competition | Matches | Goals | Assists | Yellow Cards | Red Cards | Minutes Played |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Total (24/25) | 30 | 3 | 5 | 1 | – | 1,088′ |
| LaLiga | 18 | 1 | 3 | 1 | – | 644′ |
| UEFA Champions League | 7 | – | – | – | – | 142′ |
| Copa del Rey | 4 | 2 | 2 | – | – | 300′ |
| UEFA Super Cup | 1 | – | – | – | – | 2′ |
| Supercopa | – | – | – | – | – | – |
Transfer speculations
According to Italian media reports, Real Madrid is considering a major move in the summer transfer window. The club may activate the buy-back clause for Argentine playmaker Nico Paz, who was sold to Como.
Paz has impressed with 6 goals and 6 assists in 27 matches, and if he returns to Madrid, Guler’s future at the club could be in question. Several European clubs are reportedly interested in signing him, with Inter Milan emerging as a serious contender.
Preparations for Hungary clash underway
The Turkish national team has begun preparations for the first leg of their UEFA Nations League play-off match against Hungary, set for March 20.
Goalkeeper Mert Gunok and defender Merih Demiral missed training due to minor injuries, while Yunus Akgun trained individually in the second part of the session.
