Real Madrid playmaker becomes one of Mourinho’s untouchables after influential displays

Real Madrid playmaker becomes one of Mourinho’s untouchables after influential displays Arda Guler is becoming an increasingly important figure in Jose Mourinho’s Real Madrid project, with the Turkish international now considered among the manager’s untouchables, reports MARCA . His decisive contribution to the 2-1 victory over Barcelona in El Clasico has strengthened his position among the Portuguese coach’s most trusted players. Guler played 94 minutes in the Clasico , remaining on the pitch long enough to help initiate Kylian Mbappe’s late winner. Now, alongside Federico Valverde, Jude Bellingham and Mbappe, Guler is emerging as one of Mourinho’s untouchables. Mourinho’s faith in Güler pays off in El Clasico Guler’s involvement in the move that produced Mbappe’s decisive goal was one of Mourinho’s most important decisions against Barcelona. Given the Turkish international’s substitution record this season, it would have been reasonable to expect him to be on the bench by that stage of the match. Instead, Mourinho kept him on the pitch for the entire game, allowing him to influence the contest during its decisive moments, with his stunning pass starting the move that led to the winner. Growing in stature (Photo by Angel Martinez/Getty Images) His contribution was a reminder that his influence extends beyond scoring and assisting directly. Guler’s vision, timing and ability to recognise a teammate’s movement can help Real Madrid unlock defences. The midfielder was eventually substituted in the 94th minute alongside Yan Diomande, just one minute before the final whistle. It was his longest appearance as a starter this season and a clear indication of the trust Mourinho placed in him during one of Madrid’s most important matches. Arda Guler breaks his substitution pattern under Mourinho Guler had established himself as a regular starter before the Clasico , but his tendency to be substituted early had become a talking point. In each of his previous eight starts this term, the Turkish midfielder had been withdrawn before the final stages. His previous longest appearance as a starter had been 78 minutes against Sevilla. Among the untouchables. (Photo by Diego Souto/Getty Images) The decision to keep him on until the 94th minute against Barcelona therefore represented a significant departure from Mourinho’s usual approach. More importantly, Guler justified that trust by contributing to the move that settled the match. The numbers underline the Turkish international’s importance this season. Across 12 appearances, Guler has recorded four goals and three assists, making him Real Madrid’s second-most productive attacking player behind Mbappe. His combination of technical ability, decision-making and willingness to work within Mourinho’s system makes him an increasingly valuable component of the team. At Real Madrid, where competition for attacking places is intense, sustained trust from the manager matters almost as much as individual output. And Guler is increasingly delivering both. If he maintains this form, his place as an untouchable alongside Valverde, Bellingham and Mbappe could become difficult to challenge.