Arda Guler is reportedly becoming one of Jose Mourinho’s most trusted players at Real Madrid after delivering a series of impressive performances, further strengthening his position within the manager’s plans.

According to a report by Madrid Universal on Wednesday, October 28, 2026, the Turkish midfielder made another strong impression during Real Madrid’s 2-1 El Clasico victory over Barcelona, reinforcing the belief that he deserves a prominent role in the team.

Guler featured for 94 minutes against Barcelona and played an important part in the attacking move that led to Kylian Mbappe’s decisive winning goal.

His increasing influence has reportedly placed him in the same category as Federico Valverde, Jude Bellingham and Mbappe among the players Mourinho considers essential to his project at the Santiago Bernabeu.

Mourinho’s decision to keep the 21-year-old on the pitch during the closing stages of such an important encounter was particularly significant. Guler had previously been substituted before the final minutes in several matches, but the Portuguese manager showed greater confidence in his ability to influence the game against Barcelona.

Rather than withdrawing him early, Mourinho allowed the midfielder to continue using his creativity and vision to help Madrid protect their advantage and threaten their rivals.

His involvement in the move that produced Mbappe’s winner demonstrated his ability to make an impact through intelligent movement and precise distribution, even when he is not directly contributing a goal or assist.

The substitution in the 94th minute also marked a new milestone for Guler this season, as it became his longest appearance as a starter under Mourinho.

Before the Clasico, the midfielder had been taken off before the final stages in each of his previous eight starts. His longest appearance in those matches was 78 minutes against Sevilla.

However, his performance against Barcelona changed that pattern, with Mourinho keeping him involved until the closing moments and receiving a valuable contribution in return.

Guler’s overall statistics also highlight his importance to the team. He has recorded four goals and three assists in 12 appearances across all competitions, making him Real Madrid’s second-most productive attacking player behind Mbappe.

His technical ability, creativity, awareness and understanding of Mourinho’s tactical demands have made him an increasingly influential figure in a squad packed with attacking talent.

With competition for places remaining intense at the Bernabeu, Guler’s consistency and growing relationship with Mourinho could be crucial to securing his position in the starting line-up.

If he maintains his current form, the Turkish international could further establish himself alongside Valverde, Bellingham and Mbappe as one of the key players Mourinho is reluctant to leave out.