"Real Madrid is really blessed", "Turkish Messi" - Fans react as Arda Guler wins Man of the Match award on Euro debut

Turkey's rising star Arda Guler won the 'Man of the Match' award for a stormer against Georgia in their UEFA Euro 2024 clash on Tuesday (June 18). Fans can't contain their excitement.

The Crescent-Stars ran out 3-1 victors at the Signal Iduna Park in Dortmund against the Euro debutants, with Guler bagging a goal. Just five minutes after the hour mark, Guler was played on by Kaan Ayhan on the right.

Noticing all the space in front of him, the Real Madrid forward scampered up a few steps before unleashing an unstoppable volley into the far corner, beyond Giorgi Mamardashvili's despairing dive.

It was a goal straight out of the top drawer, packed with strength, technique and accuracy, perfectly encapsulating Guler's burgeoning talents. He was further rewarded for the emphatic strike with the 'Man of the Match' award.

Besides the goal, the 19-year-old also made four key passes, a testament to how important he was to conjuring goalscoring chances for his teammates. He also laid five crosses and registered a pass completion rate of 93%.

His performance garnered tremendous rave reviews from fans online, with many taking to X to share their opinions. One in particular, claimed Real Madrid are "lucky" to have such a player on their books:

One, Ag Silva, wrote:

"Arda Guler is a special talent"

Another fan called Guler the "Turkish Messi":

Mike Treble emphatically claimed this about Guler:

"Guler this lad will be the Ballon d'Or winner multiple times the future looks good for this kid"

With three points in the bag, Turkey have made a good start to their Euro 2024 campaign but face a stern test of their progession hopes next time, as they play Cristiano Ronaldo-led Portugal. Meanwhile, Georgia continue their campaign against the Czech Republic.

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Turkey and Georgia served up a thriller at Euro 2024

Many might have billed it as the least exciting match of the Euro 2024, but Turkey and Georgia ended up playing out an absolute thriller. Packed with high-octane goalmouth action at both ends, it was nerve-wracking right until the end.

Midway through the first half, it seemed like the Crescent-Stars would run away with the match, as many had predicted. However, their second goal was ruled out for offside. Just minutes later, the Crusaders pulled level following some excellent teamwork.

In the second half, a stunning goal from Guler had Turkey back in front. Georgia didn't cave in, though, and pushed for an equaliser once again, but missed two gilt-edged chances in stoppage time, where Muhammed Akturkoglu hit them on the break to score a third for Turkey.

At this rate, it will be interesting to see how the sides fare going forward in the championship.