24.10.2026 09:01
Ahead of Real Madrid's El Clasico against Barcelona, head coach Jose Mourinho's squad plans have emerged. It has been claimed that the Portuguese coach included national-team player Arda Guler in all three different starting XI options he has been considering. The young star is expected to start the huge match, while his role on the pitch will be determined by Federico Valverde's position.
In Spain's La Liga, eyes have turned to El Clasico to be played between Real Madrid and Barcelona. Ahead of the giant match, the starting XI options Real Madrid head coach Jose Mourinho is working on have come to the agenda. According to a claim in the Spanish press, Arda Güler is in all three different squad plans prepared by the Portuguese coach.
ARDA GÜLER IS IN ALL THREE OF MOURINHO'S PLANS
According to a report by Spanish newspaper AS, Jose Mourinho is considering three different options for the lineup he will field against Barcelona.
The common point of these plans is national team player Arda Güler. Although it is not yet clear in which area the young star will play, it draws attention that he is considered in the starting XI in all three options. It was claimed that, along with Arda Güler, Courtois, Konate, Cucurella, Tchouameni, Diomande, Bellingham, Valverde and Mbappe also appear in all plans.
TWO DIFFERENT POSITIONS FOR ARDA GÜLER
In Mourinho's first option, Federico Valverde is planned to be assigned at right back. In this case, Arda Güler is expected to play in midfield, while Endrick or Bernardo Silva is expected to wear the jersey on the right wing. In the second option, Dumfries or Trent Alexander-Arnold is considered to take on the right back role. In such a choice, Arda Güler would move to the right wing, while Valverde would play in midfield together with Tchouameni. In the third plan, it is envisaged that Dumfries or Trent would again take on the right back role, Valverde would be used on the right wing, and Arda Güler in the center.
VALVERDE'S POSITION WILL DETERMINE THE STARTING XI
Arda Güler, who appears in all three different squad options, is expected to be on the field from the first whistle against Barcelona. It is stated that Mourinho's most important decision determining the balance between attack and midfield will be where he uses Federico Valverde. The Portuguese coach's right-back choice will also directly affect whether Arda Güler plays in the center or on the right wing.
SIX-POINT DIFFERENCE AHEAD OF EL CLASICO
The first El Clasico match of the season between Barcelona and Real Madrid is planned to be played on Sunday, October 25 at Camp Nou. Barcelona, which is stated to have won all nine matches it has played in the league, is preparing for the clash with 27 points, while Real Madrid has 21 points after nine matches. The six-point difference between the two teams further increases the importance of the giant match.