Mourinho has a plan for Arda Güler

José Mourinho does not intend to confine Arda Güler to the number ten position. The Portuguese coach sees a much bigger role for him: over time, the Turkish midfielder could move deeper and take on greater responsibility for organising Real Madrid’s play.

Mourinho explained his idea during an interview with El Chiringuito. Asked about possible successors to Luka Modrić and Toni Kroos, he immediately made it clear that players of that calibre cannot simply be copied.

“There is only one Luka and one Toni. I like Arda. I think he could follow a path similar to Luka and Bernardo, starting as a number ten, an attacking player, and then shifting deeper. Arda is headed in that direction. With his understanding of the game, that could be his trajectory,” Mourinho said.

That distinction matters. Mourinho did not call Güler “the new Modrić”, nor did he promise to make the Turkish international Madrid’s main playmaker immediately. He did, however, identify the direction in which he wants the player to develop. Less waiting for the ball near the penalty area, more involvement in build-up play and greater responsibility for controlling the tempo.

Modrić underwent a similar transformation, developing from an attacking midfielder into one of the finest central midfielders of his generation. Mourinho also mentioned Bernardo Silva, another player who began his career closer to goal before gradually assuming more responsibility in deeper areas.

Güler’s understanding of the game appears to be the key. He may not dominate opponents physically, but he makes quick decisions, moves intelligently between the lines and often spots a pass before the space disappears. Mourinho has seemingly decided that such qualities should not be restricted to the final third.

Real Madrid do not need to search for replicas of their former midfield masters. Replicas usually look convincing only on posters. It makes far more sense to develop Güler’s individual qualities and prepare him to lead the team in his own way.

Bernardo Silva’s presence could help with that process. Güler now has a teammate who followed precisely the path described by Mourinho. He will not only hear the theory from his coach. Every day in training, he can observe a player capable of combining creativity between the lines with control from deeper positions.

Mourinho’s message was clear: Arda is not supposed to remain merely an entertaining addition to Madrid’s attack. The club wants to prepare him to become one of the players who manage entire matches. It will take time, but for the first time, the plan for his development has been explained in such specific terms.

Source: Managing Madrid / El Chiringuito