According to a report by Madrid Universal on Tuesday, October 20, 2026, Real Madrid manager Jose Mourinho is planning to deploy Arda Guler more frequently in a double-pivot midfield role following the Turkish international’s impressive performances.

Madrid Universal, citing AS, reported that Mourinho believes the 21-year-old could become an important part of his midfield plans as he seeks to improve the team’s possession and establish the right balance in central areas.

Guler has primarily played in attacking positions, including on the right wing and as a number 10. However, Mourinho is increasingly convinced that the midfielder possesses the technical ability and vision needed to influence matches from a deeper position.

The proposed change could see Guler partner Aurelien Tchouameni in central midfield, particularly in matches where Real Madrid need to control the tempo and break down opponents who defend deep.

Mourinho reportedly believes Guler’s passing ability and creativity could provide the team with another way to progress the ball and create chances for its attacking players.

The Portuguese manager initially favoured a more physically imposing midfield partnership involving Tchouameni and Federico Valverde. However, his assessment of Real Madrid’s performances following the international break has encouraged him to explore alternative options.

Guler’s performance against Sevilla is understood to have strengthened his case, with Mourinho reportedly impressed by the positional exchanges between the Turkish midfielder and Jude Bellingham.

Their movement and ability to interchange positions helped make Real Madrid’s attacking play less predictable, giving the team greater flexibility in possession.

The development could have significant implications for Valverde, whose versatility makes him an important part of Mourinho’s plans. One option would be to retain the Uruguayan at right-back, allowing Guler and Tchouameni to form the midfield partnership. However, this arrangement could limit opportunities for Denzel Dumfries and Trent Alexander-Arnold in the defensive position.

Another possibility would involve moving Valverde to the right wing while giving Guler a more central role.

Mourinho could also consider pairing Guler with Valverde in midfield, although such a decision could leave Tchouameni on the bench. This combination would offer greater mobility and passing ability but could reduce Real Madrid’s defensive protection in central areas.

A transition into a deeper midfield role would also bring new responsibilities for Guler. In addition to his creativity, the 21-year-old would need to demonstrate defensive awareness, positional discipline and the ability to recover possession when Real Madrid lose the ball.

Nevertheless, Mourinho’s reported interest in the experiment highlights his desire to maximise the Turkish international’s influence on the team.

The Portuguese coach is still assessing the best midfield combination for Real Madrid, and Guler’s performances have provided him with another option to consider.

Although the midfielder is not expected to abandon his attacking roles entirely, he could feature more frequently in the double pivot depending on the opposition and the tactical demands of individual matches.