Mourinho backs Guler to develop like Modric and Bernardo Silva

Syndicated reporting provided by Stats Perform and reviewed by the SoccerNews editorial team.

Jose Mourinho believes Real Madrid midfielder Arda Guler will develop into a deeper role, like Luka Modric and Bernardo Silva.

Guler joined Real Madrid in the summer of 2023 and has scored 18 goals and provided 24 assists in 112 appearances for Los Blancos.

Only Vinicius Junior (35), Jude Bellingham (32) and Federico Valverde (28) have provided more assists than Guler across the last three seasons. However, all three have played in at least 28 more games than the 21-year-old.

Guler led in both assists (16) and chances created (119) last term (including the Club World Cup), while he also scored for Turkiye in their only win at the 2026 World Cup – a 3-2 victory over co-hosts United States.

Although Guler predominantly plays in an attacking midfield role, Mourinho has predicted the Turkiye international to play in a deeper position as his career goes on.

“I love Guler,” Mourinho told El Chiringuito.

— Real Madrid C.F.  (@realmadriden) August 20, 2026

“I think something similar to what happened to Modric or Bernardo Silva will happen to him; you start in one position and end up in another, you start as a number 10 and you’ll end up as an eight or a six.

“I think Arda will go in that direction with his evolution and his understanding of the game.”

Guler has impressed under Mourinho in pre-season, recording assists in wins over Schalke and Leganes.

Los Blancos begin their LaLiga campaign on Saturday as they face Espanyol at RCDE Stadium.

Guler’s starting position could be in doubt, with Jude Bellingham returning from an extended break and summer signing Yan Diomande also featuring in their final pre-season clash against Schalke.

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