National team manager defends Real Madrid starlet amid lack of minutes – ‘Exceptional footballer’ | OneFootball

Despite having hardly played in recent weeks at Real Madrid, Arda Guler has been called up to the Turkey national team by manager Vincenzo Montella.

The 20-year-old prodigy has found it hard to gain Carlo Ancelotti’s confidence at the Santiago Bernabeu and has played less than 1100 minutes this season, registering three goals and five assists in the process.

Montella backs Arda Guler

Montella, however, decided to call Guler up for Turkey’s UEFA Nations League matches against Hungary this week.

Speaking to the media earlier today, the Turkey head coach defender Guler and explained his decision to include the Real Madrid starlet in the squad despite his reduced playing time.

“He is an exceptional footballer. We all know his talent and what he can contribute,” Montella stated (h/t Mundo Deportivo), justifying Guler’s call-up despite his limited minutes at Real Madrid.

Guler has struggled to get minutes at Real Madrid. (Photo by Angel Martinez/Getty Images)

“It is a well-known and generally accepted trend that players with consistent game time at their clubs are usually selected for the national team. However, we must take a more understanding approach with Arda Guler,” he added.

As reported earlier this week, Montella is taking a special approach with Guler to help him regain his confidence.

The youngster is set to miss the first game against Hungary due to suspension but is likely to be named in the starting XI for the reverse fixture in a few days.

As far as his situation at Real Madrid is concerned, if things do not improve between now and the end of the season, the possibility of a departure in the summer transfer window is not ruled out.