A potential Rodri arrival at Real Madrid could completely reshape José Mourinho’s starting XI—and Arda Güler may be the biggest name caught in the middle of the tactical shake-up.
What would happen to Real Madrid’s starting lineup if the Spanish giants managed to sign Rodri? It is a question that could spark intense debate among Madridistas, especially when considering how Mourinho might build his midfield around some of the club’s biggest stars.
In one possible scenario, if Yan Diomande takes the starting role on the right wing, Real Madrid could line up with Jude Bellingham, Rodri, and Fede Valverde in midfield. On paper, that trio would offer an extraordinary combination of defensive security, physical power, tactical intelligence, and attacking ability.
But there could be one painful consequence: Arda Güler could find himself on the bench.
For many fans, that would be difficult to accept. Güler has emerged as one of the most exciting young talents in European soccer, earning widespread praise for his creativity, technical quality, and ability to influence matches. His vision and passing range have made him one of the most intriguing players in Real Madrid’s squad, and supporters believe he deserves a consistent role in the starting XI.
The arrival of Rodri, however, could force Mourinho to make difficult tactical decisions. The Portuguese manager would need to find a system that allows Güler to maximize his creative strengths without sacrificing the balance provided by Rodri, Bellingham, and Valverde.
One possibility could be moving Güler into a more advanced attacking midfield role, allowing him to operate between the lines while Bellingham takes on a different position. Another option would be rotating the midfield based on the opponent, giving Güler regular starts rather than permanently placing him on the bench.
For Madridistas, the biggest question is simple: Can Mourinho find room for everyone?
If Real Madrid really want to build a team capable of dominating Europe, managing the roles of its young stars will be just as important as signing established superstars. And when it comes to Güler, many fans will argue that his performances have already earned him more than a place on the bench.