Arda Güler’s rise to stardom seemed destined for greatness, but his transition to Real Madrid has not been as smooth as expected. After a brilliant final stretch to the previous season with six goals in as many shots on target and an impressive performance for Turkey in the Euro qualifiers, the young Turkish talent, who joined Madrid with high hopes, now finds himself struggling for minutes. 

Despite his early promise, the 19-year-old has only managed to play around 15 minutes per match since the season started. This situation has raised serious concerns back in Turkey, where Güler is regarded as a national treasure and an ambassador of Turkish football.

Former Turkish international Nihat Kahveci, who is one of Güler’s biggest supporters, has openly expressed his concern for the young star in an interview with AS. "I pray for him to show his immense talent," said Kahveci. "He is a player of the highest caliber, and he thrives in leadership roles on the field. He needs to play more to develop." Kahveci believes that, with consistent playing time, Güler could evolve into a key player for the team, both at Madrid and in his national team. "If Ancelotti gives him the continuity, he will progress spectacularly," he predicts.

The decision to stay at Real Madrid, despite knowing the fierce competition for places, is something that Güler’s supporters admire. "It would have been easy for him to move elsewhere and become a figure, but he had the courage to stay, even though he knew it would be tough to secure a spot in the lineup," added Kahveci. However, the reality is that Güler's limited opportunities at Madrid have left many fans in Turkey frustrated, as they feel the young star's potential is being underutilized.

Tayfun Korkut, another former Turkish international and a long-time observer of Güler's career, shares similar sentiments. "He has a great mentality and isn’t afraid to compete against anyone. But he needs more minutes to continue growing," Korkut stated in an interview with AS. "Spending so much time on the bench is harmful for his development. He is surrounded by top-level players, but he should be playing more regularly."

Toni Kroos, who played alongside Güler last season, also offered praise for the young talent, noting his incredible left foot and finishing abilities. "If he stays healthy and continues on this path, he has a bright future ahead," said the German midfielder. 

The concern among Güler’s supporters in Turkey is not just about his lack of minutes but also about the physical challenges he faces. While Güler has worked hard to improve his physique since arriving at Madrid, experts believe he still needs further development in this area. "He has gained muscle mass, but he doesn’t need to be as physically dominant as players like Camavinga or Valverde," Korkut said. "He is more effective in tight spaces, and he needs to stay close to the goal to showcase his talent with key passes or finishes."

For many, the situation is clear: Güler’s lack of playing time is hindering his potential, and Madrid must make a decision on whether to give him more opportunities or risk stalling his development. While Madrid fans may have high expectations for his immediate impact, it’s clear that patience will be key for Güler’s long-term success. If he remains focused and continues learning under Ancelotti’s guidance, many believe he has the potential to become a star for both Real Madrid and the Turkish national team.

As Serdar Ali, a prominent sports journalist in Turkey, puts it in his interview with AS, "Arda Güler has the quality to succeed, but his challenge is more physical than footballing. He must reach the next level athletically, and Madrid will provide the resources for him to grow." The path forward for Güler may not be easy, but with time, support, and the right opportunities, he could still become one of the brightest stars in European football.

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