{
  "id": 8408151,
  "title": "In-form Real Madrid talent set to keep starting spot vs Atletico despite Bellingham’s return – report",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/19/in-form-real-madrid-talent-set-to-keep-starting-spot-vs-atletico",
  "topic": "culture",
  "section": "Culture",
  "published": "2026-09-19T07:10:00.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Yahoo Sports",
    "slug": "yahoo-sports",
    "url": "https://sports.yahoo.com/articles/form-real-madrid-talent-set-071000033.html"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Real Madrid's talented midfielder, Arda Guler, is expected to retain his starting position in Sunday's Madrid derby against Atlético Madrid, according to a report from AS. Manager Jose Mourinho is expected to continue trusting Guler despite the return of Jude Bellingham, though the presence of the England international may adjust Guler's position on the field. Guler has shown remarkable growth this season, particularly in his set-piece abilities.\n\nReal Madrid had struggled with a lack of consistent direct free-kick threat for several years, and Guler's emergence in this role has proven invaluable. In a match against Elche, Guler scored a stunning direct free-kick in the 25th minute, ending the club's 120-match La Liga drought without a direct free-kick goal. Guler's influence extends beyond set pieces, as his overall contributions have made him an increasingly important asset to Mourinho's plans.\n\nBellingham's return to the starting XI is anticipated to push Guler to the right side of the midfield, a position he has frequently occupied this season. The England midfielder's comeback also introduces a selection challenge for Mourinho, who did not face such a dilemma during Bellingham's absence last season. Despite this, Guler's growing momentum this season, coupled with his ability to provide creativity and a genuine threat from free kicks, positions him as a strong attacking option for Real Madrid in the upcoming match against Atlético Madrid.",
  "summary": "Arda Guler is expected to retain his place in Real Madrid’s starting XI for Sunday’s Madrid derby, with Jude Bellingham also set to return to the team against Atlético Madrid.According to AS, man...",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 4,
    "also_reported_by": [
      {
        "outlet": "New Straits Times",
        "title": "Mourinho's Real Madrid lacking control before Atletico derby",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/19/mourinhos-real-madrid-lacking-control-before-atletico-derby",
        "published": "2026-09-19T01:54:04.000Z"
      },
      {
        "outlet": "Malay Mail",
        "title": "Mourinho wants Real Madrid to stop losing control before Atletico derby",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/19/mourinho-wants-real-madrid-to-stop-losing-control-before-atletico",
        "published": "2026-09-19T03:13:55.000Z"
      },
      {
        "outlet": "Yahoo Sports",
        "title": "Belgium coach explains chat with Real Madrid veteran after Nations League exclusion: ‘If anything happens…’",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/19/belgium-coach-explains-chat-with-real-madrid-veteran-after-nations",
        "published": "2026-09-19T06:45:00.000Z"
      }
    ]
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}