ARDA ENTERS THE SCENE
As today might be Arda Güler’s first day at school, below is a thread of extracts from a pretty lengthy scouting report that I conducted a few months ago, so y’all can get to know him a bit better.
(Sneek peak: he might not be what you think he is).
As today might be Arda Güler’s first day at school, below is a thread of extracts from a pretty lengthy scouting report that I conducted a few months ago, so y’all can get to know him a bit better.
(Sneek peak: he might not be what you think he is).
What stood out the most for me when watching Arda is the level of composure in his game. It’s been a while since I last saw a player, talent aside, play with this level of maturity at such a young age. Gives out the exact same vibe as young Ødegaard.
He’s got that “pausa” element in his touches. Instead of thrashing at chances like most youngsters, Güler always gives himself time for options to show up before making the final decision:
This would translate very well into significant impact on our final third play, especially against teams that deploy low-blocks. We all saw how Modrić made the offense clicked against Barca in the last half an hour of El Clasico - I believe Arda is also capable of the same thing.
Güler is the type of player who never stop moving as the team is in possession, and was given the platform for that at Fenerbahçe. A reliable outlet across all phases - Arda wants to feel the ball all the time, and is ready to drop into fullback or 6 zones to orchestrate plays.
And he isn’t dubbed the Turkish Messi for no reason.
Let’s look at his numbers first. According to Wyscout data, last season, he attempted an average of 7.01 dribbles per match and succeeded in 48.1% of it, which is very impressive given the volume.
Let’s look at his numbers first. According to Wyscout data, last season, he attempted an average of 7.01 dribbles per match and succeeded in 48.1% of it, which is very impressive given the volume.
In Europa League — probably the most competitive competition he took part in last season, he still made 5.85 every 90 and completed half of them.
But simply by looking at his carries + take-ons clusters below, it’s readily apparent that he isn’t an out and out winger.
But simply by looking at his carries + take-ons clusters below, it’s readily apparent that he isn’t an out and out winger.
But instead, he’s more like a retainer with his carrying. to relieve pressure and get his team up the pitch in matches in which the team plays with back against the wall.
Arda got taken to the ground 2.76 times per 90 last season. To add context, Viní’s number was 2.36.
Arda got taken to the ground 2.76 times per 90 last season. To add context, Viní’s number was 2.36.
Thanks to his physical composition(longer legs than body ratio), as well as impressive hip flexibility and quick feet, Güler obtains absolute control over his strides while carrying. He carries with an upright posture, quick steps, makes good and consistent contact with the ball.
Güler can drive into space explosively — he’s got a compact frame and an insane burst in the first few meters which allows him to easily evade defenders, and still manage to quickly re-adjust his motion and alter his strides as soon as a defender approaches him. Watch this:
Long legs and immense hip flexibility give him a phenomenal reach with the ball as feet, and thus, a vast range of action - almost as if the ball is tied to his ankle by a rope.
He can hook the ball and turn in many sharp, unpredictable angles:
He can hook the ball and turn in many sharp, unpredictable angles:
His touches sometimes create an illusion for most defenders that the ball got loose, inviting them to commit just to get outmaneuvered by those long silky legs.
I remember people debating about this sequence. Here’s another one. Flaw, or brilliantly disguised intention?
I remember people debating about this sequence. Here’s another one. Flaw, or brilliantly disguised intention?
He has a good level of explosiveness from a standing start to create separation, but often not enough to take on them on the outside. Neither does he possess enough upper body strength to muscle his way through.
So, for god’s sake, do-not-stick-him-to-the-touchline.
So, for god’s sake, do-not-stick-him-to-the-touchline.
His between the lines receptions, on half-turns and in tight pockets of spaces is exceptionally good. The way he turns with the ball looks frighteningly effortless. So clean, so smooth, good shielding, good orientation, with small turning radius.
This makes Arda unbelievably press-resistant. When receiving in the first phase, he’s never afraid to invite pressure into himself, lure opponents out of their position, before using their momentum directly against them with shoulder drops/directional touches.
Güler adopts street football to a considerable degree into his game, and is not afraid to express them. Certainly the type of player who would constantly get the crowds off their seats and send commentators into a roaring frenzy.
The flick that swept the whole FT off their feet:
The flick that swept the whole FT off their feet:
Güler has solid, well-rounded passing skills in his locker, and is a formidable creator from the right half-space.
Out of all U21 players with 900+ minutes last season, Güler came second to only Cherki in terms of xA per 90, with 0.33 xA registered on average.
Out of all U21 players with 900+ minutes last season, Güler came second to only Cherki in terms of xA per 90, with 0.33 xA registered on average.
This put him ahead of various established youngsters like Musiala, Pedri, Wirtz…but ofc we need to take the fact that he plays in a much less competitive league into account. Yet, if we look at his UEL numbers alone, his xA per 90 was still recorded at 0.17 per 90,
just slightly less than that of Wirtz(0.19).
It’s a result of an excellent interpretion of time-space. Weight of pass, backspin, timing…are all really impressive. But as aforementioned, he’s still very calculated in his risk taking, never force it too hard.
It’s a result of an excellent interpretion of time-space. Weight of pass, backspin, timing…are all really impressive. But as aforementioned, he’s still very calculated in his risk taking, never force it too hard.
Arda is a fantastic crosser, both from the left and the right. His pinpoint inswingers, wrapped with the inside of his foot from the right half-spaces towards the far post are simply impeccable, both in terms of weight, accuracy and curl, with just a casual swing.
Off the ball, Arda Güler is a diligent player, just as hard-working as he is on the ball. A real tireless runner. Not the best tackler, but is the type of player who is willing to put his heart and spirit into every duel, as soon as the team lose the ball.
OK, so if you’re still reading till this point, here is the big unveiling that perhaps you’re anticipating: Güler is not the new Özil. Stylistically, he resembles more of a Portuguese newlywed.
Yes, I know. “New Bernardo Silva” isn’t as flashy nor is it as title-material — just stick to your Turkish Messi or Özil regen if you wish to(as I will), but his playing style is more Bernardo than Mesut.
Potentially with a better final ball, but less energetic.
Potentially with a better final ball, but less energetic.
End of thread.
Sorry for putting it out just a few hours before the game, but I think the quality compensated.
Wish you a sensational debut, starboy.
Sorry for putting it out just a few hours before the game, but I think the quality compensated.
Wish you a sensational debut, starboy.
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