Mourinho hails Arda Güler as a top, top talent, citing incredible playmaking and stability after Real Madrid’s win over Rayo

Real Madrid manager José Mourinho, speaking on Monday, 14 September 2026, ahead of Tuesday’s La Liga trip to Elche, described midfielder Arda Güler as a player of rare quality and called him “top, top.”

Also read: Yamal Says He Deserves Ballon d’Or Ahead of Mbappé

Football reporter Fabrizio Romano relayed the remarks. “The quality and stability he brings to the team, and playmaking is incredible,” Mourinho said. “He has fantastic potential. He’s TOP, TOP.”

A fuller version of the same briefing fills in the joke. Mourinho said he would not go so far as “top, top, top” three times, but two would do. He listed vision, decision making, organisation, creativity and the calm Güler gives the side.

Others who have watched the 21 year old since his 2023 move from Fenerbahçe were better placed, he added, to talk about his physical change.

The praise follows Saturday’s 4-1 home win over Rayo Vallecano. Güler came off the bench, helped steady a wobbling spell and assisted Kylian Mbappé for the fourth goal. Separate match data credited him with a burst of chance creation in limited minutes. Across the young league season he has also been among the leading creators of openings.

Context still matters. Güler is not a guaranteed starter. Mbappé, Vinícius Júnior and Jude Bellingham sit in Mourinho’s regular attacking core. Minutes are also contested by Brahim Díaz and others.

Mourinho has agreed, when asked, that Madrid can look better with Güler on the pitch, then reminded listeners that the squad is crowded. Vinícius, by contrast, is still hunting his best form this term.

The Mourinho hails Arda Güler line will travel in Turkey and in Madrid for different reasons. One audience hears a national jewel confirmed.

Also read: Yamal Says He Deserves Ballon d’Or Ahead of Mbappé

The other hears a coach who rations starts even when he reaches for his old “top, top” refrain. The next test is Elche, and whether the cameo becomes a habit.