Arda Guler responds to Lamine Yamal comparison as Real Madrid starlet prepares for showdown with Barcelona & Spain sensation on international duty with Turkey

Real Madrid star Arda Guler opened up on being compared to Barcelona sensation Lamine Yamal as the young midfielder is preparing to take on Spain with Turkey in a 2026 World Cup qualifying game on Sunday. Twenty-year-old Guler, who joined Los Blancos in the summer of 2023, has finally established himself as a first-team starter under new manager Xabi Alonso.

  • Guler spoke about comparisons with Yamal
  • Praised sensation
  • Turkey face on Sunday

Arda Guler responds to Lamine Yamal comparison as Real Madrid starlet prepares for showdown with Barcelona & Spain sensation on international duty with TurkeyArda Guler responds to Lamine Yamal comparison as Real Madrid starlet prepares for showdown with Barcelona & Spain sensation on international duty with TurkeyArda Guler responds to Lamine Yamal comparison as Real Madrid starlet prepares for showdown with Barcelona & Spain sensation on international duty with Turkey

Guler has opened up on being constantly compared to Barcelona sensation Yamal as he heaped praise on the Spaniard, while admitting that he makes life difficult for players. The young midfielder is currently preparing to face Yamal and Spain with Turkey in a qualifying game at home.

Speaking to reporters, the Madrid youngster said: “Me and Lamine Yamal don’t play in the same position, our styles are different, it wouldn’t be right to compare. He plays for Barcelona and I for Real Madrid, I wish him all the best for tomorrow.”

Guler added, “I am not surprised by what Lamine Yamal has been doing. He has a lot of talent and will do his utmost to make it difficult for us.”

Yamal enjoyed a stellar campaign with Barcelona in 2024-25, in which he scored 18 goals and provided 25 assists in 55 matches across all competitions and is now off to a fine start in the new season, as he has already racked up five goal contributions in the Blaugrana’s first three La Liga matches. Guler, too, has become a regular starter under Alonso and in the first three La Liga matches, he has a goal and an assist to his name.

After starring with an assist in Spain’s 3-0 win over Bulgaria earlier this week, Yamal will feature for the reigning European champions against Turkey in Konya on Sunday.