Real Madrid playmaker leads Europe in key creative statistic as Mourinho unlocks his potential
Real Madrid midfielder Arda Guler has seen a significant increase in his creative output under manager Jose Mourinho. Statistics show he now leads Europe in passes leading to shots and has improved his set-piece delivery.
Why it matters
Guler's development highlights the impact of tactical coaching on young talent in elite European football.
Real Madrid midfielder Arda Guler is emerging as one of Europe's most productive creative players after his positional transformation under Jose Mourinho.
The Turkey international has performed exceedingly well since the start of the campaign, both as a right-winger and a deep-lying midfielder.
According to Cadena SER , Guler averages 5.26 passes leading to a shot per game, the highest figure in Europe.
His improvement under Mourinho is also reflected in his set-piece creativity and dribbling numbers.
The 21-year-old has become an increasingly important creative force for Real Madrid through his passing ability and tendency to deliver dangerous balls into the penalty area.
His set-piece statistics reveal a particularly striking improvement.
Arda Guler has impressed under Jose Mourinho. (Photo by Florencia Tan Jun/Getty Images)
Under former coach Xabi Alonso, Guler averaged 0.83 chances created from set pieces per game.
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