Mourinho Wants Arda Guler to Be ‘The New Luka Modrić’
Real Madrid head coach Jose Mourinho has drawn a comparison between Arda Guler and one of his former players, Luka Modric, suggesting that the young Turkey international could eventually follow a similar path in the Spanish capital.
Guler enjoyed an impressive 2025/26 LaLiga campaign despite being only 21 years old. The midfielder contributed four goals and nine assists, underlining his growing influence in Real Madrid’s midfield.
However, finding Guler’s ideal position has proved more complicated. The Turkey international is naturally capable of operating as a No. 10, but Real Madrid already have Jude Bellingham, whose ability to make late runs into the penalty area and contribute goals makes him a natural fit for that role.
During Carlo Ancelotti’s tenure, Guler was occasionally used in a deeper role reminiscent of Andrea Pirlo, operating as a regista and helping dictate play from midfield. That role became less prominent following Ancelotti’s departure and the subsequent managerial changes involving Xabi Alonso and Alvaro Arbeloa.
Mourinho now believes Guler could ultimately develop into a midfielder with a profile similar to Modric, who spent more than a decade at the Santiago Bernabeu before leaving the club.
“I really admire Arda Guler as a player. I think, ultimately, his role will be similar to Luka Modric’s. He will play as a No. 8 and then as a No. 6,” Mourinho said.
The Portuguese coach’s vision could see Guler evolve beyond his traditional attacking-midfield role. Rather than being restricted to the No. 10 position, the Turkish midfielder could operate as a deeper playmaker capable of influencing the game from a more central position.
A role as a No. 6 in a double-pivot alongside Bernardo Silva, or as a box-to-box No. 8, could potentially suit Guler’s technical ability and versatility. His passing range, close control and ability to progress the ball could allow him to become increasingly influential from deeper areas.
The comparison with Modric also highlights the long-term expectations surrounding Guler at Madrid. While replicating the Croatian legend’s career would be an enormous challenge, Mourinho believes the 21-year-old has the qualities to develop into a similarly versatile and influential midfielder.
For now, Guler’s immediate task will be to establish himself as a regular starter under Mourinho. If he can adapt to a deeper midfield role while retaining his attacking qualities, Real Madrid could eventually have their next midfield orchestrator capable of carrying the legacy left behind by Modric.
