Los Blancos manager Jose Mourinho has praised Arda Guler’s growing influence at Real Madrid.
Guler came off the bench in Saturday’s 4-1 win over Rayo Vallecano and helped Madrid regain control after they came under pressure.
The 21-year-old remains involved in a battle for regular playing time, with Kylian Mbappe, Vinicius Junior and Jude Bellingham among the established names in Mourinho’s team.
However, the Real Madrid coach has been impressed by what Guler has produced when given an opportunity.
“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 said.
“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 also developed a strong understanding with Mbappe, with the pair combining effectively in attack. They linked up for Madrid’s fourth goal against Rayo.
Mourinho, who took charge of Madrid this season, joked that he did not want to go too far with his praise for the Turkey international, who joined 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’,” he said.
While Guler’s influence is growing, Mourinho believes Vinicius still has another level to reach.
The Brazilian has scored once this season and the coach wants to see more of the match-winning quality that has made him one of Madrid’s leading players.
“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,” Mourinho said.
“But there’s another Vinicius, the Vinicius who arrived in Lisbon last season 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.”
Madrid travel to Elche on Tuesday knowing they cannot afford to drop more points in the title race.
