Arda Guler ‘flying’ in training as Jose Mourinho plans key role for Real Madrid midfielder

Arda Guler has made such a blistering start to pre-season that Real Madrid’s new coaching staff needed barely two training sessions to conclude they have a “explosive” weapon on their hands.

The Turkey international returned from his summer break in outstanding physical condition and fully focused, according to Spanish newspaper AS, impressing Jose Mourinho and his assistants with both his fitness levels and his determination to cement a starting place.

One senior member of Mourinho’s staff has already been heard publicly praising the 19-year-old, with the simple verdict: “Guler is flying.” The phrase has quickly become a talking point around Real Madrid’s Valdebebas training complex.

Mourinho shaping prominent role

Mourinho is understood to be working on a significant role for Guler in line with the club’s expectations of the attacking midfielder, who was viewed internally as one of the major positives of last season.

Guler’s decision to report back early for work has given him an additional advantage as he looks to convince the Portuguese manager he should begin the new campaign as a first-choice option in Real Madrid’s starting XI.

The early sessions under Mourinho are being seen by the player as an opportunity to show he can be central to the coach’s plans from the outset, rather than easing his way back after international duty.

Response to international disappointment

Turkey endured a disappointing World Cup campaign, exiting at the group stage, and that setback has sharpened Guler’s resolve at club level.

In the wake of that early elimination, he has set himself a clear objective: to build on the influential contribution he made to Real Madrid’s run-in during the decisive phase of last season.

The midfielder, who operates primarily in advanced central areas but can also feature in wider positions, is intent on maintaining that trajectory and avoiding any perception that last year’s form was a brief surge rather than the beginning of a sustained impact.

Last season’s impact

Guler featured in 51 matches across all competitions for Real Madrid in the previous campaign, underlining the trust placed in him despite his age and the depth of talent in the squad.

Over those appearances he scored six goals and delivered 14 assists, underlining his creative importance in the final third.

Eight of those assists were for Kylian Mbappe, with whom he forged a particularly productive understanding on the pitch. Their combination play was one of the standout attacking partnerships of Real Madrid’s season, often unlocking defences through quick interchanges and Guler’s eye for a decisive pass.

That existing chemistry with Mbappe is another factor likely to encourage Mourinho as he refines his tactical plans for the coming season, with Real Madrid aiming to maximise the output of both players.

Key pre-season window

For now, Guler’s focus is fixed on sustaining the level that has prompted such enthusiasm inside Valdebebas.

His explosive return, early reporting date, and the clear support from Mourinho’s staff have combined to give him a strong platform ahead of the new campaign, but competition for places in Real Madrid’s attacking unit remains intense.

How he performs over the remainder of pre-season will go a long way towards determining whether he realises his target of starting the season as a regular in Mourinho’s first XI – a goal that now appears within reach after his eye-catching start to life under the new coach.