According to a report by Madrid Universal on November 12, 2026, Belgium midfielder Kevin De Bruyne has hailed Real Madrid youngster Arda Güler as one of the best footballers in the world following their Nations League meeting with Turkey.

De Bruyne made the remarks after Belgium came from behind to beat Turkey 2-1 in Izmir on Thursday, despite Güler giving the home side an early advantage with a brilliant free kick.

The 21-year-old opened the scoring in the 20th minute at the Gürsel Aksel Stadium, producing a superb left-footed strike that curled into the top corner, leaving the Belgian goalkeeper with no realistic chance of stopping it.

Belgium responded seven minutes later when De Bruyne restored parity after receiving a pass from Jeremy Doku.

The visitors then completed their comeback just three minutes afterwards, with Charles De Ketelaere scoring from Maxim De Cuyper's assist.

Although Turkey eventually lost the match, Güler's display earned recognition from De Bruyne, who was impressed by the Real Madrid midfielder's quality.

Speaking after the encounter, the Belgian midfielder openly praised the Turkish international, describing him as one of the finest players in world football.

"Arda Güler is one of the best players in the world. He also plays for one of the best clubs in the world," De Bruyne said.

The Napoli midfielder also revealed that Belgium had recognised the threat posed by Güler and prepared their tactical approach with the youngster in mind.

De Bruyne argued that Turkey's other players needed to take greater responsibility instead of placing so much pressure on the Real Madrid star to create opportunities for the team.

"I was in the right place at the right time and scored the goals. Arda Güler is a magnificent footballer. Our eyes were always on him in Turkey. The other teammates must take more responsibility, because all the responsibility was on Arda. We also set up our plan accordingly," he added.

The comments further underline Güler's growing reputation, with the midfielder becoming an increasingly influential figure at Real Madrid.

The Turkish international has enjoyed an impressive campaign, recording four goals and six assists in 14 appearances across all competitions.

His performances have showcased his creativity, passing ability and capacity to influence matches in the attacking department.

Güler's contributions have also earned him individual recognition, having been named Real Madrid's Player of the Month for September.

His increasing influence has attracted praise from several figures in football, including those outside the Spanish capital.

Former Chelsea defender Marc Cucurella recently named Güler as Real Madrid's best player when asked to choose between some of the club's biggest stars.

Cucurella, who joined Real Madrid from Chelsea during the summer, placed the Turkish midfielder above established players such as Kylian Mbappé, Jude Bellingham and Thibaut Courtois.

Explaining his decision, the Spanish international praised Güler's influence on the team's attacking combinations whenever he features.

"When he is on the field, the team plays better. We have more associative play," Cucurella said.

He also highlighted the youngster's movement, explaining that although Güler usually starts from the wing, he frequently moves into central positions to influence the game.