Real Madrid News
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.
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.
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.
Real Madrid News
Mourinho considering starting 23-year-old Real Madrid ace against Villarreal – report
After impressing during the international break, Eduardo Camavinga has a major opportunity to establish himself in Real Madrid’s midfield rotation.
Indeed, according to Defensa Central, Jose Mourinho is considering starting the Frenchman against Villarreal, with injuries and doubts over several players limiting his options.
Real Madrid cannot afford to drop points against Villarreal if they want to remain in the title race. However, Mourinho has issues to deal with in the squad, which could lead him to turn to Camavinga for a crucial role.
Camavinga could replace Tchouameni in midfield
The 23-year-old star could line up as the defensive midfielder in the double pivot, with Bernardo Silva or Arda Guler alongside him, and will be tasked with providing balance in midfield.
Real Madrid face Villarreal with several problems in central defence. Ibrahima Konate is expected to be a late call, leading Mourinho to consider moving Aurelien Tchouameni into defence alongside Antonio Rudiger.
Meanwhile, Federico Valverde could also struggle to be ready after the ankle injury he sustained in the derby before the international break.
The Uruguayan has continued to work individually away from the group and might return to group training tomorrow. Even then, his readiness to start remains in question.
That would leave a place open in midfield, with Camavinga in line to fill in.
Camavinga impressed during the international break
Camavinga has started only one match this season, the defeat against Real Betis.
Despite his limited opportunities, Mourinho is keen to bring the Frenchman back into the fold after he impressed for France during the international break.
Zinedine Zidane called the Real Madrid star up for his first France squad, and the midfielder performed well during the break.
That has given Mourinho and Real Madrid reason to be optimistic about using him against Villarreal, with the hope that he can move closer to the level he showed after first arriving at the club.
Therefore, the Villarreal match could represent an important test for Camavinga and a chance for the Frenchman to show that he can provide the balance Real Madrid need in midfield.
