Jorge Valdano: Arda Güler against modern football | Euro 2024 Germany

Jorge Valdano: Arda Güler against modern football | Euro 2024 Germany
Jorge Valdano: Arda Güler against modern football | Euro 2024 Germany

Arda Güler thinks quickly and thinks strangely, but she thinks well. When the ball passes through him he improves, synthesizes and adds danger to the game. He has the body of a child, the charisma of an artist and his relationship with the goal fits the saying “where he puts his eye he puts the bullet.” With this background he has become one of the great attractions of the Euro, he has driven Turkey crazy and the Madrid fans have taken him seriously.

But we are facing a ca…

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Arda Güler thinks quickly and thinks strangely, but she thinks well. When the ball passes through him he improves, synthesizes and adds danger to the game. He has the body of a child, the charisma of an artist and his relationship with the goal fits the saying “where he puts his eye he puts the bullet.” With this background he has become one of the great attractions of the Euro, he has driven Turkey crazy and the Madrid fans have taken him seriously.

But we are faced with a case that defines the serious differences that exist between the feelings of the fans and the current drift of football. The good fan loves the different player. But the applied science that is taking over the game still sees in Arda an insufficient body (he lacks legs), a head that is more creative than obedient (he has plenty of talent) and the immaturity that comes with age (which does not ensure consistency). If a player who seduces millions finds resistance in high competition, it will be true that we will end up hating modern football.

Arda is young and, due to his characteristics, will always swim against the new currents of football, which is why he will have to choose very carefully the steps he steps on to stay in the elite. With his body, it would be better for the wise to not be confused: a footballer is made on the field, not in the gym. He will have to strengthen his legs to adapt them to the demands of the highest level, of course, but it would be a mistake to load that body with kilos of muscles that would take away the lightness that his unique talent needs. No matter how much muscle he develops, it is not in this area where he will prevail.

On the other hand, a player with these characteristics deserves a certain freedom to destabilize with his creativity. So when you look for a destination where you can play with continuity, more important than the club is the coach you choose. Be careful because there are those allergic to this type of player who can undermine your confidence. Here we enter slippery territory that will prevent me from vacationing in Türkiye for some time. But the truth is that maturity is only improved by competing and Real Madrid is not the best place for Arda at the moment. Too much demand. In the few minutes that he enjoyed this season he gave exhibitions, but we are talking about inconsequential games. Real Madrid was already champion and his inclusion in the last games was a reward and a consolation for their long wait. He knew how to take advantage of it, but then the final stage of the Champions League arrived and he disappeared under the harsh law of the maximum competition. In the Euro he is contributing with his brilliant touches when it is his turn to participate and that has enhanced popular admiration.

The normal thing is to come out confused from this bath of celebrity. But the reality is that the obstacles he faced last season to find a place in Madrid, will have to be added to the arrival of Mbappé. Arda must play with continuity and Madrid cannot guarantee it. A few years ago, Martin Odegaard went through the same difficulties and found a way to end up achieving the prestige that his talent deserves. Now it is up to Arda Güler to choose his path to the top and he must understand that, although the fans adore him, the clubs decide with a different logic. There are many coaches with knowledge, but with the sensitivity to train a player of these characteristics, few. Finding the right one is critical for the doors of Real Madrid to open wide for him. It is about knowing how to manage the times and, then, yes, his great talent will be able to overcome anything.

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