Mourinho Settles on Arda Güler’s Role Before Real Madrid’s Clásico Against Barcelona
José Mourinho has made one point clear as Real Madrid prepare for Sunday’s El Clásico at Spotify Camp Nou: Arda Güler is part of the starting plan, whatever formation the coach chooses.
Mourinho is considering three tactical approaches for the trip to Catalonia, but Güler’s place is not expected to change between them. The Turkish midfielder’s role may shift depending on the personnel around him, yet he is set to begin the match.
Nine players are reportedly already pencilled in: Thibaut Courtois, Ibrahima Konaté, Marc Cucurella, Aurélien Tchouaméni, Ousmane Diomande, Jude Bellingham, Federico Valverde, Kylian Mbappé and Güler. The main unresolved question concerns the right-back position, with Denzel Dumfries and Trent Alexander-Arnold among the options. Mourinho could also use Valverde in that role.
That decision would influence where Güler lines up. If Valverde moves to right-back, Güler could take up a central position behind Mbappé, with Endrick or Bernardo Silva providing width on the right. If Dumfries or Alexander-Arnold starts at full-back, Güler may operate in his preferred right-sided attacking channel or remain in the middle.
In the latter setup, Valverde could partner Tchouaméni in a double pivot, giving Güler more freedom to create closer to the forwards. The precise arrangement will depend on Mourinho’s preferred balance between defensive cover and attacking support.
Why Güler’s place matters
Güler’s inclusion reflects how quickly his standing has grown at Real Madrid. His market valuation has reportedly reached €100 million after a series of influential performances in European competition, underlining the regard in which the young playmaker is held.
The 21-year-old Turkey international has recorded 21 goals and 30 assists in 123 appearances for Los Blancos. Those numbers point to a player who contributes more than occasional flashes of skill: he has become a reliable source of chances and decisive moments.
His versatility is particularly useful in a match where small tactical adjustments can have a major impact. Güler can create from the right, move into central areas to link midfield with attack, or operate behind the striker. That flexibility gives Mourinho options without requiring him to leave the midfielder out of the starting lineup.
Against Barcelona, the ability to find space between the opposition’s midfield and defence could be crucial. Güler’s passing and close control may help Real Madrid progress through pressure, while his movement can draw defenders away from Mbappé and open routes into the penalty area.
The choice of right-back will also shape Real Madrid’s attacking structure. A more adventurous full-back could provide width and allow Güler to move inside, whereas using Valverde in defence might leave the team with a different balance in midfield. Each option offers a distinct way to support the attack while limiting Barcelona’s opportunities to exploit space on the counter.
Mourinho’s three possible systems therefore appear to share a common foundation: Güler starts, while his exact position adapts to the players around him. That approach allows Real Madrid to retain the Turkish international’s creativity while adjusting the team’s shape to suit the demands of the Clásico.
Real Madrid are targeting first place in La Liga, making Sunday’s contest important beyond its rivalry and prestige. At Camp Nou, Güler’s ability to influence play in several positions could prove central to the team’s effort to break down Barcelona’s defence.