Overview
- Spanish outlet Mundo Deportivo reports Mourinho wants to shape a central playmaker role for Arda Güler modelled on Mesut Özil, but the plan is reported not formally confirmed by the club.
- Güler’s skill set — short progressive passing, vision in tight spaces and a final pass instinct — underpins the comparison to Özil and why Mourinho sees him as a structural creative option.
- Güler finished last season with 51 appearances, six goals and 14 assists, eight of which were to Kylian Mbappé, showing an established on-field connection between the pair.
- He returned to pre-season in top physical condition and impressed coaching staff at Valdebebas, and in Friday’s friendly with Alcorcón he started and took an early penalty that was saved.
- Güler faces strong competition from new signings and existing attackers such as Bernardo Silva, Endrick and Brahim Díaz, and Mourinho will use training and friendlies to decide whether to make the role permanent.