Arda Güler Backed by Valverde as Real Madrid’s Next Big Star

Fede Valverde Sees Superstar Potential in Arda Güler

Arda Güler finds himself in an unusual spotlight at just 19, not simply because of the rare skills he flashes when given minutes, but because one of Real Madrid’s own leaders, Fede Valverde, has stepped up to vouch for his future. In interviews this week, Valverde pointed to how Güler's technique, spatial awareness, and work rate make him a perfect fit for the club’s philosophy. Valverde, now a staple in the Real Madrid midfield, didn’t shy away from bold comparisons, confidently stating Güler has what it takes to follow in the footsteps of the club's legendary playmakers.

Güler, who left Fenerbahce for Madrid last year in a €20 million deal, has had a rough ride so far. The season was riddled with injuries, and every return sparked new challenges—first from the club's deep roster and then from the sheer size of the expectations on his shoulders. The Turkish starlet featured in 30 matches, racking up just over 1,000 minutes. For a player touted as a future leader, these numbers might seem underwhelming. But inside the club, patience remains the key word, with staff and players consistently talking up his technical prowess and mentality in training.

Valverde, who knows all about earning your stripes at Real, praised Güler’s ability to shift between roles in midfield and attack. That versatility, he argues, could help Arda carve out a niche even in a squad packed with world-class options. It's a rare public shoutout in a dressing room where praise is only earned, not handed out.

Real Madrid’s Future Plans for the Turkish Prodigy

The comparison to Toni Kroos is telling. Like Kroos, Güler shines in his passing and his uncanny vision for breaking lines—a toolkit Madrid doesn’t want to lose as the German legend maps out the final stages of his own Bernabeu journey. Management wants Güler to learn from the best, but also sees the value in steady game time, which could be hard to guarantee with the star-studded midfield still intact.

The prospect of a La Liga loan next season—most notably to Real Sociedad—has been floated. The deal would be simple: Güler gets the regular minutes and the challenge of leading a team, while Madrid keeps his long-term development on track. There’s no panic from either side, just a realistic look at what’s needed for a promising career to turn into legendary status. The club’s top brass has made it clear—Güler is in their plans for years ahead, just as Valverde was after his loan to Deportivo La Coruna.

For now, Güler is focused on pushing his way into the rotation, learning from every outing. With Valverde, a proven mentor, in his corner, the young Turk is positioned to handle the Bernabeu’s pressure cooker better than most. Madrid’s faithful are hungry for their next superstar, and if Valverde’s faith is any indication, Arda Güler isn’t far from filling those giant shoes.