At the end of Real Madrid's 4-0 victory over RC Celta this month, the Bernabéu crowd cheered the fourth goal in stoppage time as enthusiastically as they had the first. That's because it was Arda Güler who rounded off the scoring, netting his first goal for the club and becoming the youngest Turkish player to score in LALIGA EA SPORTS history, at 19 years and 14 days of age.
It was clear to see how much the goal meant for the youngster and for his teammates, who rushed to celebrate wildly with the attacking midfielder. It hasn't been an easy debut season for Güler, due to injuries and a lack of playing time, but he has made a big impression in the dressing room and is loved by his colleagues. That was clear to see after the game too, as several members of the squad posted messages on social media congratulating 'Abi', the teenager's nickname.
Arda Güler's 2023/24: A debut season of injuries and patience
When Real Madrid won the race to sign Arda Güler from Fenerbahçe in the summer transfer window, it was clear that the Spanish club had acquired a unique talent. He immediately made a positive impression in pre-season training, despite his young age and the language barrier, and expectations were high.
Sadly for the youngster, and for Real Madrid fans, he suffered one injury setback after another during the first half of the season. Even once the Turkish international had recovered, coach Carlo Ancelotti insisted on patience. “We want to be calm with introducing him," Ancelotti told the media time and time again.
His debut finally came in the Copa del Rey in January against Arandina CF. In that away game, Güler was excellent in what turned out to be a 3-1 victory. Although he didn't score, he struck the woodwork with a freekick and created multiple chances.
Despite that positive first outing, in which he played an hour, Güler was relegated back to the bench and arrived at the Bernabéu on Sunday having played just 33 more minutes since that Copa del Rey game.
All the while, however, he was impressing in training and Madridistas were excited when a video was released on Friday showing some of Güler's skills from the training ground. In one of the clips, he rounded the goalkeeper and coolly finished. Little did they or he know that this is exactly how he'd score his first goal for the club in the LALIGA EA SPORTS match against RC Celta, rounding Vicente Guaita and calmly finishing after receiving a quick pass from Dani Ceballos.
Speaking after the game, Güler told his club's media channels: “When I was facing the goalkeeper in the one-on-one situation, I saw he was losing position, so I took the ball to my right and shot. Fortunately, it went in and I'm very happy. I'm very happy to be at this club. It has been a difficult season so far, but I hope better things will come after today. I think I have the quality and character to achieve this."
Going by Ancelotti's post-game press conference, Güler should be given more and more opportunities in the near future. The coach explained: “He hadn't played much until now, but I was always sure he could contribute something. He is a great talent. His goal was really nice, with his weaker foot. He has a bright future here, we're sure about that."
