Speaking in an interview with Turkish outlet AA SPOR, Barcelona and Germany midfielder Ilkay Gundogan has claimed that Real Madrid starlet Arda Guler reminds him of Mesut Ozil and has a bright future in the game.
Guler joined Real Madrid this past summer, arriving from Fenerbahce. The 18-year-old could very well have become Gundogan’s teammate at Barça, but Los Blancos beat their arch-rivals to his signing.
However, injuries have meant that the teenage prodigy is yet to make his debut for the Merengues, but he continues to be held in the highest regard within the football community.
Germany, led by Gundogan, are set to take on Turkey in an international friendly later this week.
If fit, Guler would have been part of the Turkey squad, but his injury has meant that he was not called up for the upcoming matches.
And Gundogan was asked about his opinion of the Real Madrid starlet, to which he said: "I talked to Rüdiger, 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."
Not stopping at that Gundogan went on to add that Guler was very similar to former Real Madrid and Germany midfielder, Mesut Ozil.
"Arda Guler is similar to Mesut Ozil. Even Ozil said the same thing. Arda’s future is bright," he added.
That is steep praise coming from one of the best midfielders in Europe, who led Manchester City to a treble last season.
Since joining Real Madrid in the summer, Guler has succumbed to three injuries, the latest one coming earlier this month.
Given his recurring fitness issues, Real Madrid have decided not to take any risks and have not set a specific return date for the 18-year-old.
But it has been suggested that the Turkish prodigy could make a comeback after the mid-season Christmas break.