Kevin De Bruyne praises Arda Güler: "Arda Güler does almost everything on his own for Türkiye"

Türkiye lost 2-1 to Belgium in their fifth match in the UEFA Nations League (League A), and it was Arda Güler's performance that took centre stage after the game. In the match played at the Gürsel Aksel Stadium in Izmir, the young player put Türkiye ahead and caught the eye with a fine free-kick goal. However, the goal from the star, who plays for Real Madrid, was not enough for Türkiye to come away with any points.

Belgium's world-renowned midfielder Kevin De Bruyne praised Arda Güler's talent after the match, while drawing attention to the heavy responsibility he carries for the national team. Noting in his remarks that Türkiye are overly dependent on Arda in attack, the Belgium midfielder said: "I think Arda Güler does almost everything on his own for Türkiye. I don't think that is easy for him, because a lot of people are watching only him. But Türkiye have a good team. If the other players also take on a little more responsibility, a much better picture will emerge."

Pointing out that Arda Güler plays for one of the biggest clubs in the world, De Bruyne said: "All eyes are on him, we know that. If his team-mates ease the pressure on him even a little and share the responsibility, he will be far more comfortable. He is an incredibly talented player and, what is more, he is still very young. He will keep playing his own game and keep developing."

Sergen Yalçın: "The team's best player"

Head coach Sergen Yalçın, who was taking charge of the Türkiye national team for the first time, also highlighted Arda Güler's performance. Touching on the young player's importance, Yalçın said: "Of course there will be a heavy burden on Arda's shoulders, because he is the team's best player. He produced a performance worthy of his ability and his strength, and he scored a magnificent free-kick goal."

Belgium goalkeeper Lammens: "Hats off"

Arda Güler's goal from a free kick in the 20th minute also earned the admiration of Belgium goalkeeper Senne Lammens. The young goalkeeper said: "With some goals, all you can do is applaud your opponent. Arda Güler's strike was exactly that, hats off."

Türkiye, who went ahead in the match through Arda Güler's goal, could not hold on to their lead. Belgium turned the score around with goals from Kevin De Bruyne in the 27th minute and Charles De Ketelaere in the 30th, and left the pitch as 2-1 winners.