Arda Guler emerges as Real Madrid’s key pre-season breakthrough for Mourinho

Arda Guler has given Jose Mourinho a major selection decision to make before Real Madrid begin their La Liga campaign, after establishing himself as the standout player of their pre-season preparations.

The Turkey international was the most consistent performer for Real Madrid during the summer and became central to many of the tactical ideas developed during the early stages of Mourinho’s second spell in charge.

Guler’s preparations did not begin perfectly. He missed a penalty against Alcorcon in a friendly played at Valdebebas, but the error had little lasting impact. The midfielder quickly put the setback behind him and began producing the performances Mourinho had been waiting to see.

Since then, Guler has carried out his responsibilities with confidence and impressed in an advanced midfield role. He has also taken on leadership duties during some stages of matches, while regularly searching for space and attempting to create danger between the lines.

His displays have suggested that he is a genuine playmaker, despite the fact that he did not occupy that position in such an obvious way during his previous period at Real Madrid.

Guler’s performances at the World Cup, where he was Turkey’s best player, were not enough to help his country progress beyond the group stage. However, that disappointment has provided him with further motivation to continue working and improve.

He approached pre-season as a test in which failure was not an option, particularly because competition for midfield places at Real Madrid is expected to be intense. Opportunities are limited, while the squad contains a large number of established high-profile players.

Jude Bellingham is among Guler’s most direct rivals for a place, especially after the England international recently returned to the team. Bellingham only played a limited number of minutes in the game against Gelsenkirchen, however, strengthening Guler’s case.

Those circumstances have placed Guler in a strong position and given him a significant chance of starting Real Madrid’s opening La Liga match against Espanyol, according to Spanish newspaper Marca.

His claim to a starting position is based on more than the current competition for places. The quality of his performances in the friendly matches has earned him a genuine opportunity to be included in the first-choice XI. Guler has made a clear impression on the pitch, and it has become increasingly difficult to overlook what he has contributed during the build-up to the new season.

Because of his Turkish heritage and footballing background, many Real Madrid supporters have drawn comparisons between Guler and Mesut Ozil. Ozil had not yet become a global star when he joined the club in 2010, but under Mourinho he developed into one of the leading figures in a side that reached the Champions League semi-finals three consecutive times.

The similarities are not limited to their backgrounds. Both players are associated with an advanced creative role, possess a highly effective left foot and have the ability to construct attacks. For that reason, the comparison appears less like a burden for Guler and more like a dream for supporters hoping he can follow the path taken by the German playmaker.

Guler found himself in a similar position at this stage last season. He had the trust of Xabi Alonso, while Bellingham was absent through injury, but he was then expected to help build attacks from a deeper position near the playmaker.

Now, Guler appears more comfortable accepting that responsibility. He could also have players such as Bernardo Silva alongside him, capable of sharing the creative workload and giving him more freedom to move into dangerous areas.

That support may prove crucial to his development. With other players able to create chances and carry part of the responsibility, Guler can operate more freely the environment that appears most likely to bring out his best qualities.

The opportunity is now firmly in the Turkey international’s hands. His pre-season form suggests Real Madrid may finally be seeing the version of Arda Guler their supporters have been waiting for.