"He's going to be the next big thing" - Micah Richards and Gary Lineker blown away by Arsenal-linked attacker at Euro 2024
Real Madrid forward and Arsenal target Arda Guler has drawn praise for his performances for Turkey at the ongoing Euro 2024 tournament in Germany. The 19-year-old has won several admirers with his quick feet and decisive style of play, two of who are Micah Richards and Gary Lineker.
Following his assist to Merih Demiral in Turkiye's 2-1 win over Austria in the Round of 16 on Tuesday (July 2), the Los Blancos youngster joined an elite list of teenagers. He has become only the third teenager after Cristiano Ronaldo and Wayne Rooney to score and assist in the same edition of Euros.
Speaking on The Rest is Football podcast, the pair of pundits was full of praise for the Turkish international, with Richards saying (via TBR Football):
“We can’t move on without talking about Real Madrid’s, Guler. Oh my. 19 years of age, he’s a superstar. And not just because he scored that worldie in the group stages where he bent it from 30 yards, it’s the way he manipulates the ball and the way he plays the right pass at the right time. He is going to be the next big thing, I think."
Lineker added:
“Incredible talent. He’s at Real Madrid for a reason. Turkey, I have really enjoyed watching them play and their fans.”
It remains to be seen if Arsenal will be able to tempt the talented forward to switch Madrid for London. Guler joined the legendary Spanish club last summer and scored six goals in 12 games, as Real Madrid claimed La Liga and the UEFA Champions League.
Arda Guler will next be seen when Turkey take on the Netherlands in the Euro 2024 quarter-finals on Saturday (July 6).
German coach Julian Nagelsmann explains how Arsenal star Kai Havertz is important to his Euro 2024 plans
German head coach Julian Nagelsmann has shared why he prefers starting Arsenal striker Kai Havertz over Niclas Füllkrug for Die Mannschaft at Euro 2024. The Gunners forward has been the preferred option in attack for the hosts despite calls for him to be dropped by fans.
Nagelsmann said (via Daily Cannon):
“If you look at it from the outside, a demand for Fülle (Niclas Fullkrug) is understandable, even though Kai (Havertz) comes off much worse in the public assessment. [Havertz] has a clear job in many games, which means that he doesn’t have many ball actions because he should create space for others. He did that exceptionally well."
Nagelsmann concluded by pointing out that the Arsenal forward was ranked much higher by his internal assessments at Euro 2024, saying:
“In the internal assessment, Kai is ranked much higher than in the public. For the striker, it’s not always just about scoring a goal. If you’re substituted and the opponent is already tired, you might have a little more space. Fülle has a good rating, but Kai is an important player for us.”
Havertz will be keen to help his nation to glory on home soil and add to his two goals and one assist in the four games so far at Euro 2024.