Arda Guler ‘flying’ in training as Jose Mourinho plans key Real Madrid role

Arda Guler has made an explosive start to pre-season at Real Madrid, with Jose Mourinho’s new coaching staff quickly identifying the Turkey international as one of the most dynamic weapons in the squad.

Barely two training sessions were needed for the new technical team to conclude that the 19-year-old playmaker offers a “truly explosive” option in Mourinho’s plans, according to Spanish outlet AS.

Guler has returned from his summer break in outstanding physical condition and with a clear determination to build on his breakthrough campaign, arriving at Valdebebas fully focused and eager to prove himself again.

One senior member of Madrid’s coaching staff has already been heard openly praising the youngster, using the phrase “Guler is flying” – a remark that has been repeated around the training ground in recent days.

Mourinho preparing prominent role

Mourinho is understood to be shaping a significant role for Guler in the coming season, one that reflects the high expectations the club has placed on the former Fenerbahce midfielder after his impressive contribution last term.

Real Madrid see Guler as one of the major positives to emerge from last season, and his early return to work has given him an added advantage as the new era under Mourinho begins.

The Turkey international has already started intensive work under the Portuguese manager with a clear personal objective: to begin the new campaign as a regular starter in Real Madrid’s XI.

Response after international disappointment

Guler’s determination has been sharpened by a disappointing international summer, with Turkey exiting at the group stage of a World Cup that fell short of expectations.

In the wake of that frustration, the midfielder has set himself a straightforward target – to continue, and even enhance, the influential role he played for Real Madrid during the decisive stretch of last season.

Breakthrough numbers

Across all competitions last season, Guler made 51 appearances for Real Madrid, underlining the level of trust already placed in him at the highest level.

He scored 6 goals and supplied 14 assists in those matches, emerging as both a creative hub and a direct threat in the final third.

Eight of those assists were for Kylian Mbappe, with the pair forming a highly effective on-pitch partnership that became one of Madrid’s standout attacking combinations.

As Mourinho looks to mould his first Real Madrid side since returning to the Bernabeu, Guler’s early form and attitude in pre-season suggest he is positioning himself at the heart of the Portuguese’s plans for the new campaign.