Player Focus: The Reasons Behind Arda's Proposed Move Away From Madrid

As the transfer rumour mill continues to churn out numerous stories linking this player with that club, one man who seems certain to move this summer is Atletico Madrid star Arda Turan. "My agent is in touch with 3-4 clubs. I will update you all if a deal is made (sic)," the Turkey international said on his official Twitter account over the weekend, hastening speculation that a transfer away from Spain is imminent. 

A number of the Premier League’s big hitters - Chelsea, Manchester United and Liverpool - along with defending Ligue 1 champions PSG have been linked with a move for the 28-year-old, who has established himself as one of the finest attacking talents in Europe. Many, therefore, are of the opinion that any team would be lucky to acquire the services of a player of Arda’s ilk and it’s widely considered that Atletico’s loss would be any new team’s gain. 

While not necessarily a mainstay in the starting XI during Los Rojiblancos 2014 title win - injury playing a part in that - the attacker played a key role over the campaign, netting 3 goals and registering a further 4 assists. After his arrival from Galatasaray in 2011, it’s fair to consider Arda’s time in the Spanish capital a success, adding Europa League, Copa del Rey and Spanish Super Cup medals to his honours list.

His versatility is one of his stronger traits having started in 6 offensive positions for Atletico in the league and Champions League last season. Not quite a jack of all trades attacker, though, his best position arguably comes on the right wing and it goes without saying that Arda would improve any team he moves to. A WhoScored rating of 7.04 may not have been as impressive as many would hope of a player commanding interest from Europe’s best teams, but the work the player does off the ball is what would appeal to potential suitors. 2 tackles per game is a thoroughly respectable return for any attacker and is perhaps one of his best assets. 

His industry means opposition full-backs do not get an easy ride when they face the hard working Turkish international, who is capable of not only beating his man, but limiting a full-back’s influence when he does press forward. It’s remarkable to think that when Diego Simeone took charge of Atletico back in 2011, he was told that Arda was unwilling to fulfill his defensive duties. 

"When I arrived, they told me that he (Arda) did not run, that he did not track back to defend." As is well-documented, Simeone adopts an ‘all for one and one for all’ philosophy at the Estadio Vicente Calderon, with every player pulling in the same direction for the good of the team. Any concerns, however, that the 28-year old could not meet Simeone’s standards were quickly abolished. 

In his debut campaign in Madrid, only Filipe Luis (3.8) averaged more tackles per league game than Arda (3.4), despite Simeone only taking over the reins in December 2011. In fact, over the last four La Liga seasons, Arda ranks 21st for tackles made (293), a notable return considering all of those above him in the table play in much deeper and more central areas. Furthermore, only Lionel Messi (86) and Carlos Vela (78) have won possession more times in the attacking third since the 2011/12 La Liga campaign than Arda (73).

However, it’s reported that he wants out of Atletico because of these defensive responsibilities. Arda has gained a statistically calculated WhoScored strength of ‘defensive contribution’, which comes as little shock considering the work he puts in for Los Rojiblancos. It’s the demands of working off the ball, though, that have increased speculation that he is looking depart the 10-time La Liga champions. 

With the effort he puts in for the team, Arda’s offensive influence is limited at times, which has seen his impact lessen over the last four league seasons. Arda’s 2 league goals last term was his worst return since he joined the club, with his input off the ball perhaps hindering his performances when Atletico are in possession. An average of 1.1 key passes and 1.3 successful dribbles last season was a modest return for a performer who is renowned for his creative and penetrative ability. 

It’s understandable that the player will want to exhibit his offensive qualities as frequently as possible given that, at 28, Arda is at the peak of his career. Having succumbed to numerous minor injuries during his time with Atletico, perhaps as a result of Simeone’s physical demands, the Turkish star may feel that he can’t waste the best years of his career on the sidelines and, as such, a move away from the Spanish capital appears logical. 

Furthermore, given Barcelona and Real Madrid’s re-emergence as Spain’s dominating duo, Atletico are unlikely to secure domestic glory in the foreseeable future and it may be the case that Arda feels he has a better chance of securing silverware elsewhere. With that in mind, it’s of little shock that Chelsea and PSG are among the frontrunners to secure the services of the bearded wideman given their superiority in the Premier League and Ligue 1 respectively. 

While Arda has enjoyed success aplenty at the Calderon, the chance to ply his trade for a team that will, realistically, challenge for honours on a seasonal basis is too hard an opportunity to turn down. Furthermore, a chance to really express himself in the final third without the need to carry out such stringent defensive duties as rigourously as he would under Simeone means a desire to move away from the Calderon is somewhat unsurprising.

Who you do you think Arda Turan will sign for in the transfer window? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below