The next Mesut Ozil? Real Madrid starboy Arda Guler given glowing comparison by Barcelona midfielder Ilkay Gundogan

Guler was signed by Los Blancos in the summer from Fenerbahce for an initial €20m (£17m/$22m), with up to €10m in add-ons. This was significantly higher than his reported €17.5m (£15m/$19m) release clause, paid in order to beat bitter rivals Barcelona to his signature. The youngster has been hailed as a future star by many of his Real Madrid teammates including Ballon d'Or winner Luka Modric, and now Gundogan has likened him to Ozil, who was once a fan-favourite at the Santiago Bernabeu.

Speaking to Turkish outletAA SPOR, Gundogan said: "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."

Guler is yet to make his Real Madrid debut as he has been plagued with three injuries since his summer move. He had undergone knee surgery in August, before picking up a couple of muscle injuries which has kept him sidelined from competitive action. Were he fit, he would have undoubtedly been named in the Turkish squad for their two upcoming fixtures against Germany and Wales.

Real Madrid have thus far been extremely cautious with Guler and do not want to rush him back to action. The medical staff have not set a specific return date but it is expected that he could be available after the Christmas break. Meanwhile, Gundogan will be in action for Germany against Turkey and Austria in two international friendlies on November 18 and 21, respectively.