The evening began with the focus on whether Lionel Messi might equal an all-time UEFA Champions League group stage scoring record. It ended with Arda Turan confirming that he too is in the most prolific form of his career.The Turkey midfielder had not registered a hat-trick in eight and a half years, but his triple against Borussia Mönchengladbach means he is averaging a goal every 36.5 minutes in this season's competition: 146 minutes played, four goals, one assist. Having hit the net twice in the Liga and with a goal every 83 minutes in Barça's Spanish Super Cup win, Arda
Tag: Arda
Stars of UEFA EURO 2016: Arda Turan
At a glanceWithout doubt the best Turkish player of his generation, captain and playmaker Arda Turan is preparing to spearhead another EURO challenge – just as he did during qualifying. Only 11 caps shy of his century, the creative left-sided midfielder joined Barcelona from Atlético last summer and, a decade on from his senior international debut, is as talismanic as ever.EURO pedigreeArda was just 21 when he first played at a European finals, enjoying an excellent UEFA EURO 2008. He had a key role in Turkey's 2-1 comeback victory over co-hosts Switzerland, scoring the last-minute winner. He also struck against the Czech Republic and ...