Arda Guler gives Jose Mourinho a welcome selection dilemma at Real Madrid

Arda Guler’s outstanding attacking contribution has given Jose Mourinho a fresh tactical puzzle at Real Madrid, with the 21-year-old demonstrating the vision, composure and passing range to operate in several different roles.

Guler has played in a deeper midfield position, on the right wing and, most recently, as a number 10 in Tuesday’s 3-2 win over Elche. Mourinho praised him beforehand, saying: “His quality of play is amazing. His vision, his decision-making, his ability to create play and the stability he gives the team.”

He added: “Maybe I don’t want to go as far as saying he is in the very top category, but I can certainly say he is in the top category.”

According to The Athletic, Guler is not the powerful midfielder Real Madrid have traditionally used to protect the balance of an attack-minded side. However, Mourinho’s team now defends higher up the pitch and in narrower distances, reducing the space between its lines and players.

That has made Real Madrid more comfortable without the ball. They have averaged only 54.5% possession across their six La Liga matches, and no longer rely so heavily on Jude Bellingham and Federico Valverde’s athleticism to cover the team when possession is lost.

The change also gives Guler greater protection, allowing his forward passing to become more influential when Real Madrid regain possession. No La Liga side has registered more shots after quick counter-attacks than Mourinho’s team this season, and Guler is often the player best equipped to beat the first line of pressure and launch those moves.

Against Real Betis, he received the ball after a cross was intercepted and flicked it behind him to Bellingham, eliminating three midfielders with one touch. In the same 1-0 defeat, Guler moved inside to receive a pass under pressure, controlled Antonio Rudiger’s return ball between the lines and released it to the wing, creating space for Denzel Dumfries.

Against Elche, he initially dropped deep to help build the attack before moving into space between the lines. Rather than attempt the more difficult pass to Vinicius Junior, he delayed before finding the wing, allowing Marc Cucurella to cross first time.

Starting four of Real Madrid’s first six league games, Guler has created 27 chances – more than any other La Liga player – despite limited minutes. Only three players have completed more through-balls. His passes to Kylian Mbappe and Vinicius Junior have put both forwards inside the penalty area five times each.

Guler has also helped Real Madrid break down deep defences through his patience and delivery from wide areas. He has attempted 14 crosses, a total unmatched in Europe’s top five leagues, and has created six chances from corners, including three outswinging deliveries for Dean Huijsen.

His flexibility has made him valuable in every attacking situation. He created five chances in just 18 minutes against Rayo after replacing Yan Diomande on the right, but his control from a free central role against Elche came at Bellingham’s expense.

Real Madrid have needed the distribution and calm once provided by Toni Kroos and Luka Modric. Guler remains young, but his start to this season suggests he could eventually fill that creative void.