Arda Guler talks Ozil, Modric, Brahim, Huijsen, wonder goal vs Elche: ‘I try to play like them’
· Yahoo Sports
Real Madrid’s midfield has been marked in red as a department that needs major changes in the summer, primarily because they lack control and creativity in that part of the field.
Many players in the department, thus, have their futures remaining uncertain, including Dani Ceballos and Eduardo Camavinga, both of whom have been underwhelming or less favoured by the manager.
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One player who has likely done enough to stay, however, is Arda Guler.
The Turkish star does have his flaws, but he has been one of the brighter sparks in midfield for the club this season and has earned the manager’s trust.
Guler’s interview
Speaking to the media in a recent interview, the midfield star opened up on several topics, including his relationship with teammates, adaptation to Spain, and pre-game rituals.
He began, however, by revealing the legendary players of the past and present who he sees as closest to his style.
“Elite players with a similar style to me? From the past, one of the players I admired was Alex de Souza.
“Today, I try to watch a bit more of Mesut Ozil & Luka Modric. I try to play like them.”
Goal against Elche
Guler scored a wonder goal against Elche. (Photo by Angel Martinez/Getty Images)
The player then opened up on his iconic goal against Elche, which took the media by storm as one of the goals scored from the longest distances in the history of La Liga.
“My goal vs Elche? I tried to score a goal like this before. I always wanted to score a goal like this because I have the shooting quality.
“When I see the GK forward, I can try shooting like this. I was very happy when I scored it.
“It was something that happened in the moment, but before the match, I always think about these situations and what I’d do if they happen. But it all happened suddenly,” he added.
On his pre-game rituals and adaptation
Guler was then asked if he had any pre-game routines that he followed as a superstition, to which he said,
“Rituals before the match? I try to pray and prepare myself mentally for the match. I also try to step on the pitch with my right foot first.”
Speaking on his adaptation to Spain after his move from Turkey, he revealed how the two nations were not very different from one another.
“Yes, I have adapted to Spain. The culture is not very different from Turkey’s. They’re very similar. I’d say that they’re like brother countries.”
“What I like is the ‘Siesta (nap)’, I also like napping in the afternoon since I was a kid, so I’m very happy,” he added.
He was asked what he would advise his younger self if he had the chance, to which he said,
“Something to say to my younger self? To always keep the faith in your dreams because one day you’ll make your family and country feel very proud.”
On Real Madrid and his teammates
Guler has nothing but praise for his Real Madrid teammates (Photo by Jose Manuel Alvarez Rey/Getty Images)
The player then began speaking about his teammates at Real Madrid and how he got along excellently with them.
“I like being with my teammates. Spending time with them.”
“I have a great relationship with my teammates, I respect them all and learn new things from them every day,” he added.
Naming some players in the squad who he is personally close to, Guler said,
“Since I came here, Brahim, Fede, Thibaut, Rudiger, Alaba, and people who weren’t here like Dean Huijsen. They’re like my brothers.”
The midfielder also explained how playing for Real Madrid made him constantly push his boundaries and strive for excellence.
“Real Madrid pushed me to be better in all aspects, because it’s demanding to play here. But I can say that the aspect I improved the most in was mentally.”
He then mentioned what keeps him going everyday and how he was lucky to be doing something he loves.
“I love football. I love playing football in the best club in the world, in the best training facilities in the world.”
Source: (h/t Madrid Xtra)