Coach Carlo Ancelotti praised young rookie Arda Guler, after the Turkish playmaker finally made his Real Madrid debut in a 3-1 Copa del Rey win over Arandina.

Guler signed for Real Madrid from Fenerbahce in July 2023 but suffered a knee injury that required surgery before the season, and then two muscle injuries as he tried to find fitness. The 18-year-old Turkey international started and played 59 minutes in Saturday’s win, which saw Joselu, Brahim Diaz and Rodrygo score to send Real Madrid into the last 16 of the Copa del Rey. Coach Ancelotti said in the post-match press conference: “This young man is not at his best physically, but he has shown his quality. It is important for Guler to start playing with the team. We have to be patient with him.”

The talent known as the ‘Turkish Messi’ also showed outstanding personality in the first half when Real Madrid won a free kick outside the penalty area, and he confidently stepped up to take it. Unfortunately, the ball hit the post. “Yes, Guler has quite a strong personality,” coach Ancelotti added. “That’s a good quality. He stands out with his qualities, but character is important to help a player do well at Real Madrid.”

Meanwhile, veteran striker Joselu shared about the experiences he passed on to his new teammate: “Before the match, I told him to first enjoy the match. Guler had to sit out for a long time. This was his first time playing with us and it wasn’t easy. But Guler is a very young man that we are taking care of. This is a player with a lot of great qualities and we have to make the most of that.”Real Madrid are set to fly to Saudi Arabia to take part in the Spanish Super Cup, starting with the semi-final against Atletico Madrid will take place in Riyadh on Wednesday. “I don’t know if we are the favorites or not,” coach Ancelotti said. “It was a short competition so we were close to winning. However, it is also a goal for Atletico, Barcelona and Osasuna.”

Real Madrid’s injury situation is improving very quickly in the first days of the year. After Vinicius Junior, it is now the turn of Arda Guler and midfielder Eduardo Camavinga to return from knee injuries while on international duty with France in November. Coach Ancelotti updated further developments in his recovery process. goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois and midfielder Eder Militao – both of whom tore knee ligaments in August: “Courtois trained this morning. He only does some light work on the field. His recovery is going well and so is Militao, but we are in no hurry.”