One of the revelations of the season for Real Madrid since Jose Mourinho took over has been the breakthrough of Arda Guler.
The 21-year-old gem has been rewarded for his impressive start to the season. Real Madrid have confirmed that the Turkish international has been named the club’s Five-Star Player of the Month for September.
Madrid announced the award through their official social media channels, congratulating Guler after he was selected for the monthly prize sponsored by Mahou.
Guler’s growing importance under Mourinho
The recognition reflects just how important Guler has become in Mourinho’s new-look Real Madrid side.
The 21-year-old has increasingly emerged as one of Madrid’s main creative influences. His ability to receive between the lines, play the final pass and connect midfield with the attack gives Mourinho something different.
He has mostly been used as a right-winger allowed to drift in and connect with other players, while also being deployed as a No. 10.
Guler has also shown that his game is becoming less dependent on spectacular individual moments.
He is demanding the ball more frequently and taking greater responsibility for Madrid’s attacking rhythm.
If the arrival of Jose Mourinho has benefited anyone in Madrid, no one can make a stronger claim than Guler.
More than just a young talent
That development is particularly encouraging because Guler has spent much of his Madrid career haunted by the tag of “talent”.
That conversation is now changing. Rather than wondering when Guler will get enough minutes, he has forced his way into Mourinho’s best XI.
His performances for Turkey have reinforced that impression.
Arda Guler has been fantastic under Jose Mourinho. (Photo by Angel Martinez/Getty Images)
Even during the recent 4-1 defeat against Italy, Guler registered 100 touches, completed four dribbles and attempted four shots, all team-high figures, while completing 62 of his 70 passes.
A monthly individual award will not mean much compared with the trophies Madrid ultimately want to win, but it is another marker of Guler’s progress.
Mourinho has plenty of options in midfield and attack, but the 21-year-old’s advantage is that he has a unique skill set compared to the others in his team.
September has been a great month for Guler at Real Madrid, and it remains to be seen whether he can sustain this momentum in the coming months and beyond.
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