'Arda Guler has everything it takes to become a Real Madrid idol' - Fede Valverde backs Turkey wonderkid to become Santiago Bernabeu hero

Fede Valverde believes that his Real Madrid teammate Arda Guler has all the qualities needed to become a legend at the club. The Uruguayan midfielder has strongly backed the Turkish youngster, confidently predicting that Guler has the potential to define an era at the Santiago Bernabeu in the future.

Guler arrived from Turkish outfit Fenerbahce in 2023 and enjoyed a successful debut season in Spain, winning the Champions League and LaLiga even though he played a relatively small part in those triumphs. After a breakthrough EURO 2024 campaign, many expected Guler to gain more prominence under Carlo Ancelotti this season. However, that hasn't been the case, with the 19-year-old accumulating just 322 minutes spread across 27 games in all competitions.

Valverde, though, believes that Guler's time will come soon, and when it does, he will seize the opportunity and prove himself.

“He is spectacular. He is a young player who has just arrived," Valverde told reporters on Tuesday (h/t Managing Madrid). "He has a great future at Real Madrid. For us it is a pleasure to have him.

"He has all the qualities to be an idol at this club and leave his mark at Real Madrid. I went through the same thing when I arrived. Most young players had to go out on loan, be on the bench, wait for many games.... But that makes you mature and makes you grow. That’s what makes you ready for when the day comes and Arda is very prepared.”

Ancelotti might have refrained from counting upon Guler in the most important fixtures this season, but that hasn't stopped Guler from making an impact. The Madrid #15 averages a goal or an assist every 40 minutes this season.

He will be hoping to get some minutes at the weekend, when Real Madrid host Girona for a LaLiga clash.