Güler and Bellingham: Fierce Battle for Real Madrid's Starting Spot

Arda Güler and Jude Bellingham are competing for a place in Real Madrid's starting lineup this season under José Mourinho, after the Portuguese coach designated the playmaker role behind striker Kylian Mbappé as the link between midfield and attack.

Bellingham was the leading candidate for this position, but Güler has made a strong impression during the preparation period, after Mourinho gave him the chance to play as a midfielder, before pushing him into the playmaker role, where the Turkish player has delivered remarkable performances.

Güler has become one of the standout players for Real Madrid during the pre-season matches, taking advantage of Jude Bellingham's absence as he joined the team's training after participating in the World Cup, which gave the Turkish player a greater opportunity to showcase his abilities.

According to Spanish newspaper "Mundo Deportivo," Güler is currently outperforming Bellingham in the race for a starting spot against Espanyol, in Real Madrid's first match of the La Liga season on August 22.

Bellingham needs to put in a significant effort to reclaim his spot in the starting lineup, especially since Güler has reached an impressive level during the preparation period, which has allowed him to move ahead of Bellingham for now.

As the season approaches, Mourinho's choices will become clearer, but current indications give Güler the edge over Bellingham for the playmaker position in Real Madrid's first match of the La Liga.