Turkey, or Türkiye, have frequently flattered to deceive on international football’s biggest stages. Indeed, the Crescent-Stars have been identified as dark horses at more than one tournament in the past only for them to suffer a disappointing early exit (see Euro 2016 and 2020). It is with this in mind that Türkiye’s chances at Euro 2024 might be played down.
By Graham Ruthven
There is a sense, however, that this time will be different. Under Vincenzo Montella, Türkiye have enjoyed a resurgent period, finishing top of a Euros qualifying group that included Croatia and Wales, both of whom played at the 2022 World Cup. It’s not just positive results that have Turkish fans optimistic about the future either.
In Arda Güler and Kenan Yıldız, Türkiye boast two of the most talented teenagers anywhere in world football right now. At a time when Türkiye’s national team is entering a new era, Güler and Yıldız embody the country’s next generation and are improving with almost every match they play at the moment.
Güler made the €20m switch to Real Madrid from Fenerbahçe last summer and while the 18-year-old has yet to make an appearance in LaLiga, he has made a profound impact in Spain. Güler was the most eye-catching player on the pitch as Madrid beat Arandina in the Copa del Rey with the Turkish teenager also used off the bench against Atlético Madrid in the Spanish Supercopa.
This came in the same week that Yıldız scored two goals in three games for Juventus. For a Juve team that has sometimes struggled for attacking firepower this season, the 18-year-old who joined the Old Lady from Bayern Munich in 2022 has quickly become an important source of goal threat for Max Allegri’s team.
Both youngsters are expected to be included in Montella’s squad for Euro 2024 and on their current trajectory Güler and Yıldız could be key figures by the time Türkiye kick off their campaign on 18th June. There is a clamour for Montella to fast-track the pair because of their special talent. Türkiye has waited a long time for two players like this.
It takes a lot for Madrid supporters to get excited about a player, but the Spanish club’s fans can’t get enough of Güler. Carlo Ancelotti has come under pressure to start the 18-year-old in more matches due to the performances Güler has produced in the handful of games he has featured in this season.
“I said we have to be patient with him,” said Ancelotti when asked about Güler and the game time he has received since joining from Fenerbahçe. “He has personality, he has character. That’s good. He stands out for the quality he has with his feet, but character is also important to do well at Real Madrid.”
Nicknamed the ‘Turkish Messi,’ Güler is a natural dribbler. This is the quality that makes him so exhilarating to watch. The teenager has a low centre of gravity and is comfortable with both feet, giving him the ability to change direction in an instant. The Messi comparisons might be hyperbole, but you can see the mechanical parallels in the way Güler plays.
Yıldız has plenty to offer too. The Juventus attacker is versatile and can play out wide or through the middle as a modern centre forward. Yıldız possesses explosive speed and has the technical ability to shoot from almost anywhere in the final third – his finishing for Juventus this season has demonstrated this.
Arsenal and Liverpool have been linked with a move for Yıldız, but Juve is proving to be a healthy environment for the youngster who has started four of the Old Lady’s last five matches. Turin appears to be the perfect place for Yıldız at this stage of his career and it seems to be only a mater of time before Güler is getting the same sort of opportunities in Madrid.
Türkiye is one of the most passionate football nations on earth, but the last generation has seen the country struggle to produce talent for the sport’s elite level. Güler and Yıldız could change that for club and country, starting with Euro 2024. The two teenagers are spearheading a new, exciting Türkiye.
(Images from IMAGO)
You can track Güler and Yıldız’s progress, game by game, in both LaLiga and Serie A with FotMob — featuring deep stats coverage including shot maps, xG, and player ratings. Download the free app here.