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A naturally talented dribbler and technically superb, Arda Turan is Turkey's ace card. The crowd-pleasing winger was voted 8th in renonwned Spanish football magazine Don Balon's 100 Best Young Football Players in the World feature, clearly underlining the vast potential the adaptable star (he can play on either flank) possesses. He is at his most potent with the ball at his feet and defenders on the back foot, where his sublime culmination of speed, close ball control and finishing ability often rendering him near unplayable. The fantasista has a knack for scoring important, and often wonderful goals, not merely for the finish, but for the number of players he beat in the process. Physically he still has to develop, where if closed down quickly and taken on in a battle of raw strength, his slightness is highlighted. Consistency is another issue that he has struggled with- the young prodigy will have to repeat his stellar performances on more of a regular basis if he is to maximise his huge potential. Also known for shows of petulance, the precocious talent is a mixed bag, but if under the right guidance, can flourish brilliantly. Newcastle United were prepared to try and get the best out of him in the summer of 2008 with an £11 million offer tabled, and whilst this was rejected, Galatasaray would do exceptionally well if they held onto him for much longer, as he is rapidly outgrowing the club.
Turan has represented Turkey at U-19, U-21 and for the last two years full senior level. He scored his first international goal for them in May 2008, after being part of Turkey's Euro 2008 squad. Indeed, he enjoyed a good tournament, scoring a late winner to effectively knock the hosts Switzerland out in the group stages (earning man of the match award), and another in an incredible comeback from 2-0 down to win 3-2 against the Czech Republic to reach the quarter-finals. Turkey finished semi-finalists.
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