“He Has Fantastic Potential ” – Mourinho Backs Guler Amid Madrid Competition

Mourinho says Arda Guler has ‘fantastic potential’  

Jose Mourinho praises Guler-Mbappe link as Real Madrid chase Barcelona in La Liga. Mourinho Hails Guler's impact as Real Madrid prepare for Elche test.

Arda Guler earns Mourinho praise after helping Madrid steady vs Rayo...

Ahead of Real Madrid’s La Liga clash with Elche, Jose Mourinho spoke highly of Arda Guler on Monday.  

Guler featured as a substitute in the 4-1 win against Rayo Vallecano at the weekend, and the midfielder brought composure to Madrid when they were struggling to hold on.

A starting spot isn’t guaranteed for Guler at Madrid, with Kylian Mbappe, Vinicius Junior and Jude Bellingham all nailed on in Mourinho’s first XI.  

The 21-year-old is also fighting Yan Diomande and Brahim Diaz for game time, in addition to the club’s two main central midfielders.

Minutes won’t come easy for Guler. Mourinho is leaning on Mbappe, Vinicius Junior and Jude Bellingham in his regular side.  

The Turkish midfielder, 21, is battling Yan Diomande and Brahim Diaz for opportunities, with the two central midfielders also ahead of him in the pecking order.

“There are people more qualified than me to talk about his development, people who have been here since he arrived, about how he's transformed physically,” Mourinho told reporters.

“But for me, his quality of play is incredible - his vision, his decision-making, his playmaking, the stability he brings to the team, his creativity...

“For me, he's a player with fantastic potential who already has some very impressive stats.”

Guler has already built a strong understanding with Mbappe. The pair linked up well throughout the match, including on Madrid’s fourth goal against Rayo.  

Mourinho said he wouldn’t get carried away with the praise, but did note Guler has settled well since arriving from Fenerbahce in 2023.

“Maybe I don't want to go so far as to say 'top, top, top' three times, but I can definitely say 'top, top',” joked the Portuguese coach.

Arda Guler’s LaLiga Record This Season

Vinicius is another Madrid player still searching for top form.  

The Brazilian winger has just one goal this season, and Mourinho said again that he believes Vinicius has yet to hit his best level.

Vinicius remains a work in progress at Madrid.  

The Brazil forward has scored just once this season, and Mourinho stressed that he doesn’t think Vinicius is playing at his peak yet.

“The best version of him is scoring goals. Obviously, assisting is important, working for the team is very important. Commitment, solidarity, and teamwork are very important,” said Mourinho.

"But there's another Vinicius, the Vinicius who arrived in Lisbon last season (in the Champions League) and in close matches, in the knockout rounds, gets one chance, scores a goal and that's it.

“He's lacking that top-level performance lately, but I am happy with him.”

🎙️ Mourinho 🎙️ pic.twitter.com/YTNZz712sJ

— Real Madrid C.F. 🇬🇧🇺🇸 (@realmadriden) September 14, 2026

Madrid sit second in La Liga, three points behind leaders Barcelona, who have won all their games so far.