Real Madrid manager Jose Mourinho is becoming increasingly convinced that Arda Güler could be the missing piece in his midfield, bringing greater control, composure and creativity to the team’s play, according to Spanish newspaper Diario AS.
The Turkish footballer is enjoying an excellent season, having scored two goals and provided five assists in 10 appearances.
However, the 21-year-old has primarily been deployed as a right winger in a more advanced position, where he has been able to make a direct contribution to Real Madrid’s attacking play.
Mourinho is now considering the possibility of using Güler more frequently in central midfield, as one of two players in the role commonly known as a double pivot.
In this position, the Turkish international would take on greater responsibility for building attacks, distributing passes and controlling the tempo of matches.
So far, Aurélien Tchouaméni and Federico Valverde have been Mourinho’s preferred pairing in central midfield. However, their partnership has faced criticism for a lack of creativity in passing and difficulties playing through opposition pressure when building attacks from the back.
In this regard, Güler could offer Real Madrid a different dimension, thanks to his vision, ability to find space and quality on the ball.
Mourinho believes these qualities could help his team gain greater control in midfield.
Meanwhile, Valverde’s versatility, which allows him to operate on the right flank as either a full-back or an attacking winger, gives Mourinho additional options to reorganise the team and make better use of the qualities within his squad.
