José Mourinho is planning to build his Real Madrid side around Arda Güler, with the Turkish midfielder earmarked for a role modelled on Mesut Özil’s successful spell at the Bernabéu. The Portuguese manager, who previously coached Özil during his first tenure at the club, sees Güler as the creative hub capable of unlocking defences in a similar fashion.
Güler arrived from Fenerbahçe in the summer of 2023 for a fee of €30 million, yet a definitive starting position has remained elusive. He has featured across multiple roles—including the right wing, right interior, and deeper positions in build-up play—demonstrating adaptability but lacking the fixed tactical assignment that might maximise his natural strengths.
The Özil Blueprint
The comparison between Güler and Özil extends beyond their shared Turkish heritage. Both players possess progressive passing range, exceptional vision in tight spaces, and the ability to deliver the decisive final ball. Mourinho, who extracted the finest performances from Özil during their previous collaboration, appears intent on recreating that supplier-striker dynamic.
Central to this tactical vision is Kylian Mbappé. Reports indicate that Mourinho aims to exploit the combination play Güler has already begun developing with the French forward. Mbappé currently occupies the structural role once filled by Cristiano Ronaldo, suggesting Güler could replicate the creative supply function that Özil provided during Ronaldo’s prolific years at the club.
Pre-Season Advantage
The timing offers Mourinho a valuable opportunity. Turkey’s early elimination from the World Cup means Güler returns for pre-season without the disruption or delayed arrival that accompanies a deep international run. This grants the manager a full window to implement specific tactical instruction and establish whether the concept can deliver similar results within his evolving system.
Whether Mourinho has formally communicated this specific remit to Güler internally remains unconfirmed. Nevertheless, the coming weeks represent a crucial period for the midfielder to press his case for a defined role after a period of positional rotation. Such a shift would mark a significant evolution from his utility across the forward line, potentially anchoring him as the primary creative force rather than a rotational option.