Arda Guler puts pressure on Real Madrid’s €140million signing after Rayo impact

Arda Guler puts pressure on Real Madrid’s €140million signing after Rayo impact Arda Guler has started the 2026-27 season in sensational form and has created a selection headache at Real Madrid. After starting on the bench against Rayo Vallecano, the Turkish midfielder needed only a short appearance to remind everyone why leaving him out of the team is becoming increasingly difficult. Madrid secured a 4-1 victory against their city rivals in a game in which their attack thrived. Mourinho handed Yan Diomande his first Madrid start last night. The €140 million signing showed encouraging qualities, but Guler’s impact after replacing him inevitably reopened the debate over Madrid’s attacking hierarchy. Guler changed the game in 24 minutes Diomande demonstrated speed, dribbling ability and a willingness to become involved in Madrid’s attacks during the 4-1 victory. However, when Guler entered the game in the second half, Madrid immediately gained another creative dimension. Arda Guler continued his good form off the bench against Rayo Vallecano. (Photo by Denis Doyle/Getty Images) The 21-year-old found pockets of space, accelerated Madrid’s combinations and provided the kind of incisive passing that can unlock organised defences. Despite playing only 24 minutes, he finished his appearance by assisting Kylian Mbappe for Madrid’s fourth goal. Diomande should not be judged by his price The temptation will now be to frame this as Guler against Diomande, particularly because of the enormous investment Madrid made in the summer signing. However, that would be premature. Diomande is only 19 and arrived with Madrid clearly viewing him as a long-term investment rather than a player who must immediately dominate every match. Equally important, though, Los Blancos cannot allow Diomande’s price tag to restrict Guler’s development or the obvious form he is showing. Before his first start, Diomande had played only 99 minutes across five appearances without registering a goal or assist. Yan Diomande made his first start for Madrid against Rayo. (Photo by Florencia Tan Jun/Getty Images) He needs time to adapt, while Guler already understands Madrid’s football and continues to make a strong case whenever given opportunities. Mourinho has a good problem For Jose Mourinho and Madrid, this is a better problem to have than one where there are no reliable options in one position. Diomande provides direct running, pace and one-v-one threat from wider areas. Guler offers creativity, combination play and the ability to operate between the lines. They are very different weapons that can be used based on the game situation. Madrid spent heavily on Diomande because they saw the potential. In Guler, they already have an earlier investment showing signs of exploding into life this season, and Mourinho needs to ensure that he uses both players to his advantage in the coming months.