Jose Mourinho believes Arda Güler could eventually follow a path similar to Luka Modric and Bernardo Silva, with the Real Madrid manager envisioning the Turkish midfielder moving deeper into midfield as his understanding of the game develops.
Mourinho made the assessment during an interview with Spanish television program El Chiringuito as Real Madrid prepare for the opening of the 2026-27 La Liga season. His comments offer an insight into how he views Güler's long-term development and suggest the 21-year-old could eventually become more than an attacking midfielder.
"I really like Arda Güler,” Mourinho said. "I think something similar to what happened to Modric or Bernardo Silva will happen to him. You start in one position and end your career in another. You can start as a No. 10 and end as a No. 8 or 6.”
Mourinho believes Güler can make that transition through greater tactical awareness and experience, potentially transforming his role at Real Madrid over the coming years.
Different future
Güler has primarily operated as an attacking midfielder or creative player since joining Real Madrid from Fenerbahçe in 2023. His technical ability, vision and quality on the ball have made him one of the club's most intriguing young talents.
Mourinho, however, appears to see another dimension to his game.
The Portuguese manager pointed to Modric and Silva as examples of players who have been able to adapt their roles as their careers progressed. Both have demonstrated the ability to influence matches from deeper areas despite possessing the technical qualities to play farther forward.
Mourinho believes Güler could develop in a similar way.
The idea is not necessarily to turn Güler into a traditional defensive midfielder. Instead, his development could allow him to become a more complete central midfielder who can dictate play, create chances and contribute to the team's buildup from deeper positions.
That evolution could become particularly important for Real Madrid as the club continues to reshape its midfield.
Balance in transfer window
Mourinho also discussed Real Madrid's approach to the summer transfer window, insisting that the club's recruitment has been driven by squad needs rather than the desire to make spectacular headlines.
He cited the arrivals of Denzel Dumfries and Ibrahima Konate as examples.
"Look at the first players we signed. Dumfries and Konate,” Mourinho said. "They are great players, but these are not the kind of transfers that excite people and set social media ablaze. But we needed them.”
Dumfries provides another option at right-back, while Konate strengthens the center of defense. Mourinho said the club identified the profiles it needed and allowed the recruitment process to develop without him making unnecessary demands.
The manager adopted a similar approach when discussing Yan Diomande, the young winger signed from RB Leipzig in a deal reported to be worth around 125 million euros plus add-ons.
Rather than focusing on the transfer fee, Mourinho highlighted Diomande's qualities.
"Finding a fast, aggressive winger who can play on both flanks is not easy,” Mourinho said. "He's young and has high potential. I analyze the player's profile, what he can bring to my team, and in that sense I said, ‘Yes, I want him.’”
Bernardo Silva adds another layer
Mourinho was similarly enthusiastic about Bernardo Silva, another major addition to his midfield options.
The Portuguese midfielder's versatility particularly impressed his new manager. Silva can operate as a central midfielder, No. 10 or right winger and can also move inside from wider positions.
"He contributes to everything,” Mourinho said. "I hope he has few problems and finds consistency. If so, Bernardo is a central midfielder but can also play as a No. 10, right winger and cutting inside. He can play anywhere.”
That versatility could also provide an important reference point for Güler.
While the two players have different profiles, both possess the technical quality and tactical intelligence to influence games from multiple positions.
Mourinho's comments suggest he wants Güler to develop that same adaptability rather than being restricted to one role.
A changing midfield
Güler's potential positional evolution comes at an important moment for Real Madrid.
The club's midfield is being reshaped around a mixture of established stars and emerging talent, with Jude Bellingham, Federico Valverde and Aurelien Tchouameni among the players expected to play major roles.
Güler now has an opportunity to establish himself within that group.
The departure of some of the club's most experienced midfield figures has also created space for younger players to assume greater responsibility. Mourinho's belief that Güler can eventually operate as a No. 8 or even a No. 6 indicates the manager sees him as a potential long-term midfield piece rather than simply an attacking option.
For Güler, that could represent a significant shift in his career.
At 21, he still has considerable time to develop physically and tactically. His ability to receive the ball under pressure, pick out passes and create opportunities already gives him a strong foundation. Learning to control matches from deeper positions would add another layer to his game.