Guler tightens the grip on Bellingham: Mourinho has a blessed problem in the No. 10 role

Real Madrid C.F.

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Arda Güler
12.800.000€+460.000€    4

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Arda Güler has made the most of the summer. The Turkish international has been one of the standout players of the Real Madrid during pre-season and has answered Jose Mourinho's faith with personality, football between the lines and an ever-growing influence in the attacking game.

The new role seems to suit him particularly well. Güler is appearing closer to the opposition box, with freedom to receive between the lines, look for the final pass and threaten the goal. A position in which he can exploit his quality much more and one that allows him to step away from the build-up duties he took on more frequently during last season.

Güler targets the starting XI against Espanyol

The situation of Jude Bellingham, who joined the work later and still needs to accumulate minutes to reach his best competitive rhythm, initially opens the door for the Turk.

Everything points to Güler having plenty of options to start as a starter against Espanyol in the league opener. His performances over the summer have earned him the right credentials, and Mourinho seems delighted with his output.

That said, locking down the spot for good will be another story.

Bellingham remains a heavyweight

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Bellingham
24.070.000€-340.000€    9

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Because he will have to face Jude Bellingham, one of the big heavyweights in the Madrid dressing room. The Englishman is not starting out as just any player in the rotation and, once he regains his best physical condition, the competition to appear in that area of the pitch will be enormous.

Also, Mourinho's arrival could open up a particularly interesting scenario with Bellingham. The Portuguese coach has always valued midfielders who can arrive from second line, attack the box and make a difference close to goal.

And that raises an inevitable question: can we see the Bellingham from his first season at Real Madrid again?

That Jude who surprised with his goalscoring ability, his power to show up from behind and his ease in deciding matches was one of the most decisive players in the competition. If Mourinho manages to recover that version, Güler will have to keep an extremely high level to hold onto his place.

A competition that could benefit Madrid

The good news for Mourinho is precisely that: he has two players with different characteristics for a decisive area.

Güler brings calm, the final pass, dribbling and creativity between the lines, while Bellingham offers physicality and an arrival that is hard to match. There could even be scenarios in which both share the XI depending on the shape chosen by the Portuguese coach.

For now, the Turk has done everything he could to start the season ahead of schedule. The pre-season has given Güler a free run, but Bellingham will soon return to reclaim his territory and without a doubt he will be the main favourite for that spot.

For Fantasy managers, the start of the campaign could make the Turk a particularly attractive option, although you'll have to keep a close eye on Mourinho's early decisions. The battle for Real Madrid's No. 10 role has just begun.