Real Madrid manager Jose Mourinho has described Arda Guler’s quality as “incredible”, saying the midfielder has already reached a very high level despite still having significant room for development.
Asked how far Guler had progressed and whether he had reached the “top-top-top” standard Mourinho has previously used when discussing Real Madrid’s greatest players, Mourinho said others at the club were better placed to assess the player’s journey.
“There are people who can talk about his progress better than I can, because they have been here since he arrived,” Mourinho said at a news conference.
“But for me, the quality of his game is incredible: his vision, decision-making, the way he organises play, his consistency and his creativity.
“For me, he is a player with fantastic potential who already has very interesting numbers.”
Mourinho added that Guler’s influence could not be judged solely by his goals and assists.
“Obviously, we carry out a deeper analysis than just goals and assists,” he said. “He is a player who has a great impact on the game.
“You said top-top-top, three times. I do not want to go that far, but we have certainly already reached the top-top level.”
Real Madrid will return to action on 15 September, when they travel to face Elche.