Tribal Football

Xabi likens Real Madrid man-of-the-match Guler to Wirtz - though demands more

Xabi likens Real Madrid man-of-the-match Guler to Wirtz - though demands more
Xabi likens Real Madrid man-of-the-match Guler to Wirtz - though demands moreLaLiga

Real Madrid midfielder Arda Guler admits he's enjoying his football after their Champions League win against Juventus.

Real won 1-0 on Wednesday night via Jude Bellingham's strike with Guler named man-of-the-match.

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The Turk later said:  “I'm feeling fantastic after that win, congratulations to my teammates, and thanks to the fans who come out to support us. We put on a decent performance and took all three points.

“I feel an important part of the team thanks to Xabi Alonso, who's shown real faith in me. I try and give my very best. He asks me to control the tempo and to be creative, I played well today."

Meanwhile, coach Xabi said of his young midfielder: “Arda is in the process of improving every aspect of his game because he's 20 years old and has made about 30 appearances for Madrid. At his age, with the quality he has, we have to support him.

"He can improve in his decision-making, the press so he doesn't do too much, but he's got so many positives: he brings clarity to the game, when he's heavily involved he brings a better dynamic to the collective play.

"Where does he play? That will depend on the demands of each game. I'm delighted with how he's progressing, but we want more."

“He really enjoys playing football and when he feels comfortable, he wants to get on the ball and be involved. Last year, I had Wirtz, and I get the same kind of feeling with Arda. He's a wonderful player and he's playing at an incredible level. When you see him start to enjoy himself, often what I have to say makes little difference."

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