Carlo Ancelotti Praises Arda Guler's Debut: He Has All To Play At Real Madrid

Carlo Ancelotti finally made his debut for Arda Guler (Instagram/@ardaguler).

JAKARTA - Real Madrid fielded a young player in the Copa del Rey match against Arandina, Saturday, January 7, 2024. The 18-year-old playmaker immediately won praise from Manager Carlo Ancelotti.

The match became Guler's debut in an official event with Los Blancos since being brought in in July 2023 from Fenerbahce. Unfortunately, he immediately suffered a knee injury at that time and had to undergo surgery.

His debut was delayed at Real Madrid. However, upon his return from injury, he immediately stole the show, especially for Ancelotti.

The Italian manager immediately set up Guler as a starter for 59 minutes in the last 32 of the Copa del Rey. Although he did not contribute to the goal, he played a role in helping Real Madrid win 3-1 through goals from Joselu, Brahim Diaz, and Rodrygo.

"He's not at his best physically, but he's shown his quality. It's important for him to start playing with the team."

"We have to be patient in dealing with it. He showed his quality in the first half. The important thing is that he returns, even though he has to improve his physical and intensity," Ancelotti told The Sun.

Furthermore, Ancelotti said Guler had everything he needed to play at Real Madrid. He has a strong character and is able to carry out his role as a playmaker well.

In fact, the Turkish player has a fine free kick attribute. He dared to take the free kick in front of Dani Ceballos who was more experienced. However, unfortunately his shot still hit the post.

"Yes, he has personality and character. That's good. He stands out with his quality, but character is an important thing to perform well at Real Madrid," said Ancelotti.

Guler was actually already on Madrid's line-up against Rayo Vallecano on November 6, 2023. However, he has not made his debut since then.

In the next two matches against Sporting Braga (Liga Champions) and Mallorca (La Liga), he also entered the line-up, but was not played.

When he finally got the opportunity to be dusty, Guler didn't waste it. He even got appreciation from his teammates.

"Before the game I told him to enjoy it. He's been out for a long time. This is the first time he has played with us and it's not easy."

"However, he is a young player that we take care of, who has a lot of quality. We have to maximize it," said Joselu.

Meanwhile, Real Madrid will now be preparing to fly to Saudi Arabia to play the Spanish Supercopa or Spanish Super Cup matches. They will face Atletico Madrid in the semifinals on January 10, 2024.

Arda Guler has a chance to return to play in the Madrid derby and make a surprise. Of course, the 18-year-old wants to find proof that he deserves 20 million euros when he is brought into the Santiago Bernabeu.

Los Blancos are also in the top of the wind considering their slick performance during the 2023/2024 La Liga season half-season. Moreover, they have already passed a storm of injuries.

Now, Madrid are just waiting for Thibaut Courtois and Eder Militao to recover.

"I don't know if we are favorites. It's a short competition, so we almost won it. However, it's also a short competition for Atletico, Barcelona and Osasuna."

"Courtois has done some training. He will do light training in the field. Recovery is going well, as well as Militao, but we are not in a hurry," said Ancelotti again.