Real Madrid youngster set to start for national team despite limited role at club | OneFootball

It has been a difficult season for Arda Guler at Real Madrid, with minutes once again proving hard to come by for the 20-year-old attacking midfield prodigy.

The lack of continuity has meant that even when he gets a rare opportunity from Carlo Ancelotti, the youngster is unable to make the impact that he is capable of, leading to doubts about his future at the Santiago Bernabeu.

Turkey offers a chance to play

Amidst the struggle for playing time at Real Madrid, the international break comes as a much-needed boost for Guler, for Turkey manager Vincenzo Montella plans to start him in their upcoming match against Hungary, reports AS.

Indeed, Montella has begun working closely with Guler – not only to prepare him for the UEFA Nations League return match against Hungary but also to lift his spirits for the remainder of the season.

Montella working closely with Guler to help him. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)

The former Fenerbahce starlet arrived at the national team camp in low spirits due to his lack of playing time at Real Madrid. As such, Montella has taken it upon himself to help the young forward regain confidence.

The Italian has full faith in the Real Madrid prodigy and plans to start him in the return match against Hungary on Sunday, despite his limited game time under Ancelotti.

Montella’s advice to Guler

As per the report, Montella has reminded Guler that professional football is not a linear journey but one full of ups and downs. He advised him to avoid dwelling on disappointment and instead focus on his work, training hard without giving up.

The former Sevilla manager is closely monitoring Guler’s well-being within the national team and believes that playing from the start will help him regain confidence.

Due to suspension for accumulating yellow cards, Guler will miss Turkey’s first match against Hungary on Thursday but will be available for the return leg.

So far this season, Guler has played 1,088 minutes across 30 matches for Real Madrid, scoring three goals and providing five assists.