Nuri Sahin Report Card: Early Signs Are Positive for Real Madrid Signing

Nuri Sahin has not exactly made a big impact at Real Madrid since his summer move.  But, from what we have seen of the Turkish international and 2011 Bundesliga player of the year, it is clear that Sahin is a big part of Madrid's future.

Having signed with an injury, Jose Mourinho has not rushed Sahin into the team.  Real Madrid have a squad more than good enough to do that, so it should be no surprise that Sahin has only started two games for Madrid this season.

It would be easy to suggest his lack of playing time is due to him struggling, but that is not likely to be the case.

Nuri Sahin was a major part of Borussia Dortmund's Bundesliga winning side last year.  So much so, that he won the Bundesliga player of the season for 2010-11.  At just 23, he is a major part of Jose Mourinho's plans at Real Madrid.

The way Mourinho is appearing to nurture Sahin, allowing him to become familiar with his surroundings and the club before rushing him into the starting XI, goes on to further prove this.

Xabi Alonso provides experience and a senior head for the Madrid midfield, and he is not going anywhere for the next couple of years.  His midfield partner is not always set in stone.  From the way Mourinho is nursing Sahin, it would appear he is the one earmarked for that role in the long term.

His performances on the pitch have not given us a lot to go on.  His Champions League start saw the team leading Dinamo Zagreb by three goals within 10 minutes.  One thing is for certain, he doesn't look out of place.

As he returns to full fitness, we will start seeing a lot more of Nuri Sahin.  His role within the team will grow and he will become a regular starter.  Don't be fooled by the way he is being brought in, the early signs for Nuri Sahin are very good.