In-form Real Madrid talent set to keep starting spot vs Atletico despite Bellingham’s return – report | OneFootball

Arda Guler is expected to retain his place in Real Madrid’s starting XI for Sunday’s Madrid derby, with Jude Bellingham also set to return to the team against Atlético Madrid.

According to AS, manager Jose Mourinho is expected to keep faith with Guler despite Bellingham’s return, although the England international’s presence should alter the Turkish midfielder’s position on the pitch.

Guler has been one of the more notable developments of Mourinho’s early reign. 

His technical quality has always been recognised, but the 21-year-old has added another dimension to his game this season through his growing influence from set pieces.

Guler ends Real Madrid’s free-kick drought

Real Madrid have lacked a consistent direct free-kick threat for several seasons, making Guler’s emergence in that role particularly useful.

Guler is a threat from set pieces. (Photo by Francisco Macia/Getty Images)

The Turkish international demonstrated exactly why Mourinho has trusted him from dead-ball situations against Elche. 

With only 25 minutes played, Guler stepped up and produced a superb free-kick to put Madrid on the scoresheet in their eventual 3-2 victory.

Notably, the goal ended Real Madrid’s longest La Liga drought without a direct free-kick goal, with the club having gone 120 competitive matches without scoring one.

Furthermore, Guler’s influence has extended beyond set pieces, too, as his overall contribution has made him increasingly important to Mourinho’s plans, even though the Madrid manager resisted describing him as indispensable after the Elche match.

Bellingham’s return changes Guler’s role

Meanwhile, Bellingham’s return to the starting XI is expected to push Guler back towards the right side, the position he has occupied for much of the season.

Arda Guler will start alongside Bellingham in Madrid derby. (Photo by Florencia Tan Jun/Getty Images)

The England midfielder’s comeback also creates a selection challenge that Mourinho did not have to deal with during Bellingham’s absence. 

Last season, Bellingham’s return from his shoulder injury resulted in Guler being left on the bench for the first Madrid derby of the campaign, but this time, the expectation is different.

Guler has built enough momentum during the opening weeks of the season to remain in Mourinho’s plans, even with Bellingham back. 

His ability to provide creativity and offer a genuine threat from free kicks gives Madrid a strong attacking outlet against Atletico.