Mourinho predicts starring role for Guler as Real Madrid influence grows

Jose Mourinho believes Arda Guler has the ability to become a major figure at Real Madrid after praising the Turkey international’s impact in the club’s 4-1 victory over Rayo Vallecano.

Guler was introduced from the bench on Saturday as Madrid came under pressure, helping the home side re-establish control. He is still competing for a regular place in a team that includes established forwards and midfielders such as Kylian Mbappe, Vinicius Junior and Jude Bellingham.

However, Mourinho has been impressed by the 21-year-old’s performances whenever opportunities have come his way.

“There are people more qualified than me to talk about his development, people who have been here since he arrived, about how he’s transformed physically,” Mourinho said.

“But for me, his quality of play is incredible – his vision, his decision-making, his playmaking, the stability he brings to the team, his creativity.

“For me, he’s a player with fantastic potential who already has some very impressive stats.”

Guler has formed an effective attacking partnership with Mbappe, and the pair combined for Real Madrid’s fourth goal against Rayo Vallecano.

Mourinho, who took charge of Madrid this season, was reluctant to overstate his praise for Guler, who joined the club from Fenerbahce in 2023.

“Maybe I don’t want to go so far as to say ‘top, top, top’ three times, but I can definitely say ‘top, top’,” he said.

Mourinho calls for more from Vinicius

While Guler’s role continues to expand, Mourinho believes Vinicius Junior has yet to rediscover his most decisive form.

The Brazilian has scored once this season, and Mourinho wants him to reproduce the match-winning influence that has made him one of Real Madrid’s leading players.

“The best version of him is scoring goals. Obviously, assisting is important, working for the team is very important. Commitment, solidarity, and teamwork are very important,” Mourinho said.

“But there’s another Vinicius, the Vinicius who arrived in Lisbon last season and in close matches, in the knockout rounds, gets one chance, scores a goal and that’s it.

“He’s lacking that top-level performance lately, but I am happy with him.”

Real Madrid travel to Elche on Tuesday, with Mourinho’s side unable to afford another dropped result in the title race.