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
Barcelona sensation claims he deserves Ballon d’Or ahead of Kylian Mbappe: ‘I deserve it this year because…’
The Ballon d’Or debate has taken a more personal turn, with Kylian Mbappe and Lamine Yamal making their respective cases for the prize after both emerged as leading contenders among the 30 nominees for the 2026 award.
The shortlist has intensified the discussion ahead of the ceremony on October 26, with the Barcelona winger and Real Madrid forward offering contrasting assessments of their own claims.
Mbappe was the first of the pair to make his position clear.
“I have made a lot of history in the most important competition in sport; it is a good year to win the Ballon d’Or,” he stated
That argument is built around both his individual numbers and his impact for France.
The Real Madrid forward became the all-time leading scorer in World Cup history with 22 goals and played a major role in France reaching the semi-finals.
His club campaign was equally productive, having finished the season with 42 goals and seven assists for Real Madrid.
Yamal believes his season gives him the edge
At the same time, Yamal has no intention of conceding the argument.
The Barcelona star, who finished second in last year’s Ballon d’Or voting, believes he and Mbappe are the two strongest candidates and has made it clear that he would choose himself if given the vote.
“Who would I give it to? The best in the world. Who are they going to give it to? That’s a very long discussion. I honestly think that maybe there are two of us who are the best in the world.
“And I think I deserve it this year because of what I’ve won. Because for me, Mbappe and I are the two best in the world.
“For me, it’s very clear, and everyone who watches the games knows it,” he explains in a preview of Universo Valdano.
From a neutral perspective, there is substance behind Yamal’s confidence, as he played a central role in Spain’s World Cup triumph while his club statistics also stand out.
Yamal scored 24 goals and supplied 18 assists across all competitions, while helping Barcelona win La Liga and the Spanish Super Cup.
Mbappe vs Yamal could define the Ballon d’Or race
The comparison is compelling because both players can point to a major international tournament and outstanding individual output, but their cases are built around slightly different strengths.
Mbappe’s World Cup record is difficult to overlook, as becoming the competition’s all-time leading scorer while helping France reach the semi-finals gives the Frenchman a landmark achievement that will carry considerable weight in the voting.
Yamal, on the other hand, can point to his contribution to Spain’s World Cup victory as well as a stronger trophy haul at club level.
Barcelona’s La Liga title, combined with his 24 goals and 18 assists, gives him a strong statistical and sporting case.
