Mourinho’s results-first approach reshapes Real Madrid as Guler breaks into elite group

Real Madrid’s latest run has changed the pecking order under Jose Mourinho, with performance now carrying more weight than reputation. Arda Guler has moved into the club’s elite group, while Vinicius Junior has been placed among those under pressure to improve.

The Athletic published its assessment on Thursday after Real Madrid recorded eight consecutive victories, including a 2-1 win over Barcelona in El Clasico.

Real Madrid are second in La Liga, three points behind Barcelona. They also trail Paris Saint-Germain on goal difference in the league phase of the Champions League, with both teams having won all four of their opening matches.

Guler joins the leading group

As recently as a month ago, the elite category contained only Thibaut Courtois, Jude Bellingham and Kylian Mbappe.

Guler, 21, has now joined them following a series of influential performances under Mourinho. The Turkey international has scored four goals and provided six assists in 14 appearances, playing 853 minutes, and has become an important part of the team’s approach.

Marc Cucurella praised his team-mate’s ability and said he was not receiving enough recognition for his significant potential. Cucurella also believes Guler’s presence changes the way Real Madrid play.

Bellingham has retained his place among the elite after recovering his form. He also scored with a backheel against AEK Athens.

Vinicius facing competition

Vinicius has been placed in the category of players expected to raise their level after a decline compared with previous seasons. The Brazil forward has scored once and supplied three assists in 12 matches.

His difficulties have not been limited to a four-match suspension. He has also had less influence and shown reduced confidence in his last two Champions League starts.

Pressure on Vinicius has increased because of the form of 19-year-old newcomer Yan Diomande, who has scored four goals and created three more since the previous international break.

Diomande has emerged as a serious challenger for the left-wing position, scoring two outstanding long-range goals against Sevilla and Racing.

According to The Athletic, restoring Vinicius to his previous level is Mourinho’s biggest current challenge after the manager oversaw a significant improvement in Real Madrid’s performances.

A changing hierarchy

Federico Valverde, Dean Huijsen, Ibrahima Konate, Marc Cucurella, Aurelien Tchouameni, Bernardo Silva and Diomande were included in the report’s high-performing category.

Valverde’s move to right-back after the 4-3 victory over Roma has also helped bring greater defensive stability.

The group judged to be performing at an acceptable level includes Endrick, Eder Militao, Antonio Rudiger, Eduardo Camavinga, Brahim Diaz and Carlos Espe.

Vinicius is joined in the improvement category by Trent Alexander-Arnold, Denzel Dumfries and Alvaro Carreras, underlining the extent to which Mourinho’s selection decisions are being based on current performances rather than established status.