Arda Guler’s Real Madrid pre-season rise turns Mourinho’s plans into a selection puzzle

Arda Guler is emerging as one of Real Madrid’s most influential players during their preparations for the 2026-27 season, with the Turkey international’s attacking form creating an increasingly difficult selection decision for Jose Mourinho.

The young midfielder strengthened his case during Real Madrid’s 2-1 victory over Ferencvarosi on Saturday, continuing a run of impressive performances in which he has displayed his best attacking qualities. His contribution has ensured that he remains at the centre of attention as the Spanish club builds towards the new campaign.

Guler’s progress has added an unexpected dimension to Real Madrid’s pre-season planning. While the club’s preparations have been described as calm and steady, the Turkey international’s performances are forcing a fresh assessment of the options available in attack and midfield.

Real Madrid began this phase of their preparations with a draw against Fiorentina. That match highlighted two contrasting sides of the team, suggesting that there is still work to do before the start of the 2026-27 season. The response came against Hungarian side Ferencvarosi, when Real Madrid secured a 2-1 win.

Although the result provided encouragement, Guler’s continued influence was one of the clearest features of the match. The player once again confirmed his growing presence within the squad, particularly through his attacking display.

His form is now changing the calculations surrounding the team. A player who might previously have been viewed simply as one of the options being assessed during pre-season is instead making a sustained argument for greater responsibility. Each strong showing increases the pressure on the coaching staff to find a role that reflects his current level.

That development leaves Mourinho with a particularly demanding task. The challenge is no longer only to prepare Real Madrid for the new season, but also to decide how best to accommodate a player who is repeatedly demonstrating his ability to affect matches in the final third.

The evidence from the opening games remains part of a preparation period rather than a completed campaign. Real Madrid have recorded a draw and a victory, with the Fiorentina game revealing inconsistency and the Ferencvarosi match bringing a more positive outcome. Even so, Guler’s attacking form has been a consistent source of interest across both fixtures.

Real Madrid will continue their preparations with the knowledge that the Turkey international is making a strong claim for a prominent place in the plans for 2026-27. His performances have altered the conversation around the squad and left Mourinho facing a difficult decision over how to use one of the team’s most impressive players during the build-up to the new season.