Real Madrid defender Marc Cucurella has highlighted Arda Güler as the player who surprises him most this season, emphasizing the significant impact the young midfielder has on the team’s performance when he is on the pitch, according to Ege Telgraf.
Speaking on the November 10, 2026, episode of the program El Partidazo de COPE, the 28-year-old Cucurella offered a detailed assessment of his teammate’s influence. While acknowledging the presence of global superstars within the Real Madrid squad, Cucurella pointed to the Turkish international as a standout performer who often receives less attention than he deserves.
When asked to identify the best player at Real Madrid, Cucurella explained, I could have said Mbappe, Bellingham, or Courtois.
Güler’s recent form has earned him praise, particularly following a 3-0 victory over Valencia where he contributed one goal and one assist. This performance has been analyzed by the Spanish press, with reports noting that Güler has evolved beyond mere statistical contributions.
🚨 🎙️ Marc Cucurella On Arda Güler —Names him Best Real Madrid Player : 🗣️Interviewer: “who is your best Real Madrid player?” 🗣️Cucurella: " Arda Güler! people always ask me about Madrid, and I can tell you the typical names… Mbappé, Bellingham, or Courtois, but I will tell… pic.twitter.com/ZaO1e6cpU4
— Post by @LordZeus_Usulor on X
Analysis suggests that he has developed a greater influence on the game’s flow, demonstrating an improved ability to read defensive pressing and identify passing lanes. Observers have noted that his development is a result of a learning process
that has transformed him into a more complete part of the team’s collective performance.
Cucurella also credited head coach Jose Mourinho for fostering this environment. Regarding his relationship with the manager, Cucurella noted that Mourinho possesses a character very different from his public persona. He is much more accessible and a better person than he appears from the outside, Cucurella remarked, adding that the coach prefers direct communication over lengthy meetings, providing players with necessary feedback in just five minutes.
The conversation also touched upon the current state of the squad. After such a good run of results, we are currently the best team in Europe, and the team now looks very serious,
he stated. When asked to compare the side to Paris Saint-Germain, he remained focused on his own club, noting, I don't watch their matches very much.
Cucurella also addressed the scrutiny surrounding Vinicius Junior. Despite recent criticism, the defender emphasized that Vinicius remains a vital part of the team. He feels good. He is very eager in the dressing room and during training. The most important thing for us is that he returns to his best form, because when Vinicius reaches his best level, we become an extraordinary team,
Cucurella said.
He added that while some players’ defensive efforts—such as those of Yan Diomande—might appear more noticeable, Vinicius’s occasional lapses are often over-analyzed by the public.
Statistically, Güler has been a key figure for the club this season, appearing in 14 matches and logging 854 minutes of play. In those appearances, he has recorded four goals and seven assists. As the team moves forward, the synergy between Güler and teammates like Kylian Mbappe has become a focal point of tactical analysis, with the coaching staff aiming to provide the young midfielder with the freedom to create.
Cucurella, who joined Real Madrid from Chelsea during the summer transfer window, concluded by expressing his pride in representing the club during the 2026 international break, noting that despite the intense schedule, the current focus of the squad remains high.