Real Madrid’s new season could begin with an unexpected battle at the heart of Jose Mourinho’s team.
According to Mundo Deportivo, Mourinho sees both Arda Guler and Jude Bellingham as options for the attacking midfield role, operating behind Kylian Mbappe.
For much of the summer, that position looked like Bellingham’s to lose. The England international has already shown how influential he can be when given the freedom to arrive late in the box and operate close to the striker.
But preseason has changed the picture.
While Bellingham joined Real Madrid later following his involvement at the World Cup, Guler used the additional minutes to make a strong impression on Mourinho.
The Turkish international was initially tested in a deeper midfield role before being pushed further forward, an adjustment that has brought the best out of him.
As per the aforementioned outlet, Guler has moved ahead in the race to start against Espanyol in Real Madrid’s first La Liga match on August 22.
Guler has used pre-season to change Mourinho’s plans
Arda Guler has made a strong case for himself. (Photo by David Balogh/Getty Images)
The biggest development is not that Guler has performed well. It is that he has found a position that could change his place in the Real Madrid squad.
Mourinho first experimented with the 21-year-old in central midfield, but the results were far more convincing once Guler was given greater freedom between the lines.
In the attacking midfield role, he has been able to receive the ball closer to the final third, dictate the tempo and create around Mbappe.
Mundo Deportivo identifies Guler as one of Real Madrid’s standout performers during pre-season, and his form has given Mourinho a genuine selection decision.
Bellingham’s later return to training meant Guler was given a longer opportunity to build rhythm and demonstrate his qualities.
Instead of merely filling in while the Englishman was away, he has made himself difficult to leave out.
Bellingham now has ground to make up
Bellingham has some ground to cover under Mourinho. (Photo by Christof Koepsel/Getty Images)
Bellingham remains one of Real Madrid’s biggest stars, and one strong preseason from Guler will not suddenly change his standing at the club.
However, football is often about timing and form.
Guler has both at the moment, while Bellingham is still working his way back into Mourinho’s plans after his delayed return.
For now, the Turkish midfielder currently holds the advantage to start against Espanyol, but the bigger question is what happens after that.
Mourinho’s preferred structure places an attacking midfielder behind Mbappe, creating a direct link between the deeper midfield and the forward line.
If he continues with that setup, Guler and Bellingham could find themselves competing for the same space, which would be an interesting battle for the fans.