Arda Guler, Real Madrid player
Photo by Denis Doyle/Getty Images
Real Madrid have had a mixed start to the new season, but one player who has been a revelation is Arda Guler.
The Turkey starlet made an impression during pre-season, and Jose Mourinho has trusted him with the right-wing role at the start of the campaign.
Guler was even awarded Real Madrid’s Five-Star Player of the Month for September as a reward for his excellent performances so far.
He has now offered a glowing assessment of two of his Real Madrid team-mates, praising Kylian Mbappe and Thibaut Courtois.
Guler praises Mbappe on and off the pitch
Speaking in a press conference, as quoted by Haber Turk, Guler was particularly complimentary about Mbappe, having recently lost 1-0 to him against France.
“Kylian Mbappe is one of the best players in the world,” Guler said.
“In addition to his on-field quality, he’s an absolutely wonderful person. A humble, genuine, and honest character.”
“Whatever his success is on the pitch, his personality off the pitch is just as impeccable.”
Arda Guler of Real Madrid
Arda Guler has been in excellent form since the start of the season. (Photo by Fran Santiago/Getty Images)
The relationship between the pair has been visible beyond Madrid. Following France’s victory over Turkey, Mbappe shared an image with Guler on social media accompanied by the word “Habibi”.
Even on the pitch, the relationship is encouraging. Guler has become increasingly important creatively, while Mbappe remains the focal point of the attack.
Huge praise for Courtois
Guler was also asked about Courtois ahead of facing Belgium, although the Madrid goalkeeper will not be involved.
“Thibaut Courtois is perhaps one of the greatest goalkeepers of all time,” Guler said, adding that he has enormous respect for his teammate.
It is a huge statement, but hardly surprising coming from somebody who trains against Courtois regularly and sees his level from close range.
The Belgian shot-stopper has taken a sabbatical from international football and will revisit his future after the Nations League next year.
Thibaut Courtois of Real Madrid
Guler offers special praise for Thibaut Courtois. (Photo by Alex Caparros/Getty Images)
The 21-year-old also reacted to being named Real Madrid’s Five-Star Player of the Month for September.
“Being named Real Madrid Player of the Month is a source of great pride for me,” Guler said, before stressing that victory with Turkey against Belgium would make him even happier.
Guler will hope to continue his good form after international football and keep contributing to Mourinho’s side.
The Turkey international looks set to play an important role for Madrid in the rest of the campaign, and it remains to be seen how his form pans out.
Real Madrid defender might not return in time for El Clasico as club will take no risks
Eder Militao of Real Madrid
Photo by Denis Doyle/Getty Images
Real Madrid defensive ace Eder Militao appears to have put his injury nightmare behind him.
The Brazilian centre-back has recovered from the torn left hamstring he suffered from last season and has now spent almost a week training normally alongside his teammates during the ongoing international break.
The signs so far are positive, but the club are fully aware of the priority at this stage: not making the mistake of rushing him back and risking a relapse.
As such, according to a report from Bernabeu Digital, doubts remain over whether Militao will be ready in time for Real Madrid’s La Liga clash against FC Barcelona later this month.
A cautious return
Injuries have become a recurring problem for Militao over the past three years, and the aim is to prevent that cycle from continuing.
Eder Militao, Real Madrid player.
Eder Militao has resumed training. (Picture credit: Real Madrid official website)
After all, he has spent more than 700 days out of action for the Spanish capital club in the past three seasons, giving raise to concerns over his physical condition.
Jose Mourinho has been particularly cautious with players returning from injury, and the Brazilian’s situation requires even greater care for these reasons.
Everyone at the club is encouraging him to take his time, meaning his return to competitive football will have to wait.
Militao has identified the Clasico as one of his main targets. His return to full training represents an important step, but there is still work to do before he can consider making his competitive comeback.
Defensive problems against Villarreal
However, Militao’s absence is not the only issue affecting the Real Madrid defence, as the team will return from the international break with serious problems.
Jose Mourinho, Manager of Real Madrid
Issues in defence for Mourinho. (Photo by Denis Doyle/Getty Images)
Alongside the Brazilian, Los Blancos will be without Raul Asencio, who has undergone surgery and will not return until 2027.
Meanwhile, Ibrahima Konate is still recovering from the sprain he sustained while away with the France national team, while Dean Huijsen must serve a one-match suspension following his red card in the derby.
As such, for Real Madrid’s first match after the international window, the only fully available centre-back is Antonio Rudiger.