Seven months after joining Real Madrid, Arda Güler finally made his debut on Saturday, catching the eye in Los Blancos’ Copa win over Arandina.

The 18-year-old Turk, who has  been dogged by injury since moving  to Spain, offered up glimpses of  his talent as Madrid won 3-1.

And, back in Güler’s native country,  the forward’s involvement in the cup  tie meant all eyes were on an otherwise less-than-box office fixture.

The game attracted more TV viewers  in Turkey than any other nation  outside Spain. Indeed, it outperformed the day’s Turkish league fixtures.

On social media, Turkish soccer fans were quick to take aim at any player - in a Madrid or Arandina shirt - who crossed their teenaged idol.

Güler’s Madrid colleague Dani  Ceballos became a trending topic in Turkey after arguing with the youngster over free-kick-taking duties.

Turkish internet users also began  to target Nico Paz, amid claims  that the Madrid youth product was refusing to pass to Güler.

Such was the opprobrium aimed at  Paz that Güler had to come to his defence, posing for selfie with a player he described as “my brother”.

Güler is Turkish soccer’s great white hope, as the country’s national team bids to end a years-long period of major-tournament underachievement.

Güler is the fourth Turk to play  for Real Madrid, after Nuri  Sahin, Hamit Altintop and  his boyhood hero, Mesut Özil.