Monday, December 23, 2024

Arda Guler joins Cristiano Ronaldo and Wayne Rooney in exclusive club

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Arda Guler has ripped it up at Euro 2024 and that has put him firmly alongside the most elite company.

The Real Madrid starlet came into the Euros with hopes of showing glimpses of his quality for Turkey, but instead he’s turned into one of the tournament’s most influential stars.

Arda Guler has joined a decorated group with his performances at Euro 2024Credit: AFP

Against the odds, Turkey have made it all the way to the quarter-finals having beaten Austria 2-1 on Tuesday night.

After grabbing a goal earlier in the tournament, Guler added to his splendid tournament so far by grabbing an assist to help sink Austria, an achievement that has put him among Europe’s elite.

In doing so, Guler became only the third teenager in history to score and assist in the same Euros, following Cristiano Ronaldo and Wayne Rooney.

Ronaldo managed it at Euro 2004 when he scored twice and provided two assists for Portugal at the age of 19.

Meanwhile, Rooney pulled it off at the same tournament in 2004 when he scored four goals and provided one assist as England made it to the quarter-finals – where they lost to Ronaldo’s Portugal.

Guler is regarded as one of the top young stars in football having joined Real Madrid from Fenerbahce last summer.

Since then the 19-year-old has scored six goals in 12 games for Carlo Ancelotti‘s side, with the teenager set for a more integral role in the 2024/25 campaign.

But before heading back to the Bernabeu, he’ll be keen to help his national team.

Rooney lit up Euro 2004 with his performances for EnglandCredit: Getty Images – Getty
Ronaldo wasn’t too bad either, as he helped Portugal to the finalCredit: AFP
Guler is on track to become one of world football’s biggest clubsCredit: Getty

Turkey will be hoping to advance even further into the competition when they face the Netherlands in the quarter-finals.

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