Former Arsenal midfielder Mesut Ozil has urged referees to better protect Real Madrid star Arda Guler from dangerous challenges.
The Turkish playmaker has struggled for consistent game time this season but remains one of Europe’s most exciting young talents with immense potential.
Softfootball reports that Ozil sees a strong resemblance between Guler’s style and his own past experiences.
Ozil explained his concern by stating:
When I look at football right now, I am in a period where I do not enjoy it very much. There were big names in my time, but right now I think Arda Guler is like me. We need to protect talents like Arda Guler and Kenan Yildiz.
This highlights the physical toll creative players often face.
The World Cup winner emphasized that such talented individuals require support from officials to thrive without fear of injury.
He believes that shielding these players allows them to express their creativity fully and maintain their confidence on the pitch throughout the demanding schedule of top-flight football.
