In the world of football, the story of young talents often follows a well-known arc: meteoric rise, immense hype, and, occasionally, the abrupt fall into obscurity. For many, the notion of potential and promise is paramount, but it’s the realization of that potential on the pitch that truly matters. Cengiz Ünder, the 19-year-old Turkish sensation who made his high-profile move to Real Madrid, was expected to be the next breakout star. However, in the span of the 2023-24 season, the talented winger has only managed to accumulate a meager 126 minutes of playing time under head coach Carlo Ancelotti. The question now arises: is Ünder simply a hidden gem waiting to be discovered by the Italian tactician, or is he destined to become the new “Sheng Zhongyong” — a player whose promise fades before it can truly bloom?
1. Cengiz Ünder: A Glimpse of Potential
Cengiz Ünder’s rise in the footballing world has been nothing short of spectacular. Born in the Turkish city of Sivas, Ünder’s talents were evident from a young age. His breakout performance came with Istanbul Basaksehir, where his speed, dribbling ability, and knack for scoring goals caught the attention of top European clubs. His subsequent move to Roma in 2017 signified his entry into the higher echelons of European football, where he continued to impress with his flair and creativity on the ball.
Ünder’s potential was never in question. His dynamic style, vision, and ability to play across the forward line made him an exciting prospect for any club. After a somewhat mixed spell in Italy, he was loaned to Leicester City in 2020-2021, where he again showed flashes of brilliance but struggled to secure a starting role in a competitive team. Despite this, his move to Real Madrid was seen as the culmination of his early promise, signaling that a top club believed in his talents enough to bring him to the Bernabéu.
2. Expectations at Real Madrid
The decision to bring Ünder to Real Madrid, albeit on a loan with an option to buy, was met with mixed reactions. For some, it seemed like a pragmatic move, one that brought in a young, talented player capable of adding depth to the squad. With the likes of Vinícius Júnior and Rodrygo already established as mainstays in Ancelotti’s attack, Ünder was expected to be the third option on the wing. He would provide competition for a spot in a team with lofty ambitions in La Liga and the UEFA Champions League.
Ancelotti, known for his tactical flexibility and experience in developing young talents, was thought to be the ideal manager for a player like Ünder. The Italian’s track record of nurturing emerging stars, from Kaka and Isco to more recently Vinícius Júnior, meant that Ünder would likely have the opportunity to prove himself under the right guidance.
However, what followed was surprising: the Turkish winger saw limited game time, making only 126 minutes in the opening months of the season. With Real Madrid struggling with injuries and a congested schedule, the expectation was that Ünder would seize any opportunity that came his way. Yet, his inability to break into the starting XI — or even earn a significant role as a substitute — raised questions about his future at the club.
3. Ancelotti’s Tactical Approach and Ünder’s Role
Under Ancelotti, Real Madrid has operated with a fluid attacking setup that requires wingers to be versatile, capable of not only creating chances but also contributing defensively and maintaining positional discipline. Vinícius Júnior and Rodrygo have thrived in this environment, with the Brazilian duo often switching between wide and central positions, creating overloads, and linking up with the midfield and forwards.
Cengiz Ünder, however, is a different type of player. While talented, his style of play tends to be more direct. He thrives when given freedom to run at defenders with pace, but this kind of play is less suited to the tactical discipline that Ancelotti demands. The Italian coach has a reputation for favoring players who fit seamlessly into his tactical system, players who not only provide offensive flair but also understand the importance of balance and structure.
Ünder’s inconsistent defensive work rate has been noted as one of the key factors in limiting his opportunities. At clubs like Roma and Leicester City, Ünder was often tasked with more freedom to express himself, but at Real Madrid, where the stakes are higher, the expectations are different. Ancelotti’s trust in defensive solidity and team shape often means that attacking players must contribute at both ends of the pitch, something Ünder may not yet have mastered in the eyes of the coaching staff.
Furthermore, the emergence of other talents such as Arda Güler, who shares similar attributes with Ünder, may have pushed the young winger further down the pecking order. Güler’s technical ability, coupled with his sharp footballing brain, has earned him more minutes in the first team, possibly diminishing Ünder’s chances of getting a sustained run in the side.
4. The “Sheng Zhongyong” Parallel: A Risk of Wasted Potential?
In Chinese culture, the term “Sheng Zhongyong” (伤仲永) refers to a classical tale about a young prodigy who fails to live up to the expectations set for him, essentially fading into obscurity. The term is often used to describe players or individuals whose initial promise is not fully realized, and they never fulfill their potential.
It is tempting to draw this parallel with Ünder, given his current situation at Real Madrid. Despite his potential, the 19-year-old seems to be at risk of being sidelined, his talents not given the platform to flourish. In the world of football, where the pressure to perform is relentless, Ünder’s inability to secure consistent playing time could result in him becoming another example of wasted promise, where his early achievements in Turkey and Italy are overshadowed by a lack of progression at the highest level.
However, it’s important to remember that football is a dynamic and unpredictable game. Real Madrid is a club known for its intense competition and high standards, and not every young player can immediately adapt to such a demanding environment. History has shown that patience can sometimes lead to breakthrough moments — players like Luka Modrić, who struggled initially, or Dani Carvajal, who worked his way into the starting XI after loan spells, are prime examples of this.
It’s also worth noting that Ünder’s experience in a team as prestigious as Real Madrid can serve as an invaluable learning opportunity. The pressure and expectations placed on young talents at such a high level can sometimes be the catalyst for development, even if immediate results are not apparent. Ünder’s time at Madrid could be seen as a chance to refine his game, learn from seasoned professionals, and understand the demands of top-tier football — a foundation that could serve him well in the years to come.
5. What’s Next for Ünder?
Cengiz Ünder’s future at Real Madrid is uncertain, but it is far from being sealed. The coming months could be decisive in determining whether he can overcome the current challenges and emerge as an important figure for the team. The club’s coaching staff, led by Ancelotti, will likely continue to monitor his progress and decide whether he can integrate more fully into the squad or if a loan spell elsewhere would be more beneficial to his development.
One potential outcome could be a loan move to a club where Ünder can play more regularly, showcasing his talents and gaining the experience needed to return to Madrid as a more refined player. Alternatively, Ancelotti might choose to invest more time in developing Ünder, helping him adapt to the tactical intricacies of Real Madrid’s play.
In either case, the key will be patience. While Ünder’s potential is clear, the path to success at Real Madrid is never a straight one. Whether he emerges as a future star or fades into the background will depend on how he adapts to the demands of top-level football and whether he can overcome the obstacles that currently stand in his way.
Conclusion
Cengiz Ünder’s brief and limited appearances at Real Madrid have raised important questions about his future at the club. Is he simply a hidden gem waiting for Ancelotti to unlock his full potential, or is he another example of talent that fizzles out before it can truly shine? The answer is still unclear, but what is certain is that his story at Madrid is far from over. Only time will tell if the Turkish wonderkid can prove his worth or if he will fade into the ranks of unfulfilled promise.
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