Guler and Bernardo Silva: Mourinho's best call

Real Madrid C.F.

The first few weeks of the season raised eyebrows at Real Madrid. Even before the ball had started rolling, plenty of voices were criticising the club's sporting planning. Rodri Hernandez was within reach and they branded it "unforgivable" that he did not end up in white. And even more so that he did in blaugrana.

85

Rodri Hernández
20.650.000€+2.690.000€-

J12

9

J11

4

J10

15

J9

12

J8

MD

11

What seems clear is that neither side did everything possible to bring their paths together. And perhaps Real Madrid did not because in June they signed Bernardo Silva. A move that went unnoticed by many, but it was a unique signing and market opportunity. So much so that he was on the radar of most of Europe's giants - including FC Barcelona themselves. The signing of Guler four years ago was also criticised. The Turk arrived in the capital very young, at 18, and his adaptation was not immediate. It rarely is, but as we know, at Real Madrid everything is magnified.

Art and youth

114

Arda Güler
14.530.000€+990.000€17

J12

12

J11

5

J10

15

J9

6

J8

MD

43

Time is proving some right and taking the argument away from others. Guler was written off because in his first two years he never quite nailed down his place, with questions even being asked about the fee paid for him - 20 million plus 10 in variables-. In his first season, he played fewer games than in the next two (10 matches) but scored more goals than ever. In the following two, he racked up far more minutes, but neither under Ancelotti nor Xabi Alonso was he a regular in the starting XI, let alone in the biggest games. More was demanded of him. He was asked to step up and become a "worthy successor" to Kroos. Madrid's midfield had been left orphaned by the German's departure and later by Luka Modric.

It was precisely the coach from Tolosa who first placed him in the double pivot, and under whom the former Fenerbache player began to look like a top-class footballer. Capable of bringing technique and sacrifice; balance and beauty. Today nobody doubts that he has all those virtues, but he also brings late runs into the box, assists and goals (this season he has 4 assists and 3 goals), which makes him a versatile player who can make the difference from the right flank too. Versatility in its purest form. His physical and tactical improvement puts him among the players with the biggest present and greatest potential in Europe. His recent improved contract renewal places him among the future leaders of Real Madrid.

Quality and experience

36

Bernardo Silva
7.330.000€+50.000€5

J12

4

J11

1

J10

2

J9

-

J8

MD

10

The Portuguese wanted a change of scenery and Real Madrid suited him perfectly, both personally and professionally. An exacting, ambitious project, ideal for a footballer who has won practically everything. His limited involvement over several consecutive matchdays and in the Champions League was down to the need to get up to speed physically and the fact he was arriving at a team in transition, where Mourinho had to find the right formula. The baton that Valverde initially held is now in the Portuguese's hands. His quality and experience fit perfectly with Tchouameni's defensive solidity and positional discipline. The perfect balance.

Bernardo has brought clarity to the Blancos' play. He sets the tempo and imposes the rhythm that suits them best. His pass completion rate is among the highest in La Liga (90%) and he links up with ease. Physically, he does not shirk the hard yards either, nor does he avoid the work in the press. Behind the scenes, his experience will probably be a major factor when the months arrive in which titles are decided.