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5 especially disturbing questions
Portugal’s Jose Mourinho returned to Madrid, taking with him the hopes of the fans to restore the team’s reputation and fight for all the titles, but his task will not be easy from the first day. Ahead of the start of the new season, the Special One are faced with a number of crucial decisions to determine the identity of their starting line-up, given the abundance of options following the club’s strong reinforcements in the summer transfer window, making the competition for more than one position in the squad intense.
According to reports newspaper”come on“SpanishMourinho is still studying a lot of technical files, as there are five main positions whose occupants have not yet been identified. New signings in the form of Marc Cucurella, Ibrahima Konate, Denzel Dumfries and Bernardo Silva have increased the intensity of competition within the squad, making the pre-season crucial in determining the squad the Portuguese coach will rely on when the competition begins.
While there are some positions that appear largely settled, Mourinho sees Kylian Mbappe, Vinicius Junior, Jude Bellingham, Federico Valverde, Marc Cucurella and goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois as the main pillars of his new project at Real Madrid. On the other hand, competition is still open for the right-back position, two central defenders and one of the midfield positions other than the right winger.
Conflict and dilemma
The contract of Dutchman Denzel Dumfries complicated the situation of Englishman Trent Alexander-Arnold. Dumfries’ style of play, which relies on physicality, defensive discipline and hard work, is more in line with Mourinho’s philosophy.
On the other hand, Trent has great offensive advantages and distinctive play and passing abilities, which can provide the team with additional offensive solutions and relieve the pressure on the opposite front. Although both players will get a chance to participate, there will be only one spot in the major matches.
Choosing a centre-back pairing is one of Mourinho’s biggest dilemmas, especially after the arrival of Ibrahima Konate, who has brought the number of competitors for the position to five players.
The French defender, who has been a key player for Liverpool despite missing the World Cup, is looking forward to establishing himself quickly in the starting line-up.
Dean Hausen, on the other hand, will be looking to recapture the exceptional level he showed at the Club World Cup before his performances dipped during the season.
As for Antonio Rudiger and Eder Militao, they have the advantage of experience and having previously won the Champions League with Real Madrid, but their fitness is a concern after a long season in which they have been plagued by injuries and rehabilitation.
Raul Asensio also remains an option for Mourinho, after the club’s academy player proved his ability to perform at good levels when given the chance and showed great commitment to the team.
Strong competition in midfield
The arrival of Bernardo Silva has helped bolster Real’s midfield options, after the Portuguese played in the role for Manchester City last season after qualifying as a winger at the World Cup.
Silva will compete with Valverde and Aurelien Choumini for one of the starting positions, while Eduardo Camavinga is looking to return to his best levels after relegation.
Last season also saw the emergence of young talent Thiago Pitarch, who is looking to get more playing minutes. He is expected to hold a meeting with Mourinho to decide his future, whether to go out on loan to gain experience or to continue with the first team.
Meanwhile, Real Madrid continue to monitor the transfer market if given the opportunity to strengthen the midfield, although there are no specific targets yet.
The right wing…the last question mark
The right wing position remains the most mysterious position within the team. Michael Oliset still represents Real Madrid’s biggest dream in this role, but if a deal can’t be completed, the club will look to solutions on their roster.
Turkey’s Arda Guler looks the closest to securing a starting spot in the first line after his remarkable performances last season, while Ibrahim Diaz continues to fight to prove his right to start.
On the other hand, Franco Mastantuono and Endric have to make a decision about their futures, whether to continue and compete in the first team or go out on loan to get more game minutes.
As for Brazilian Rodrigo, he is still continuing his treatment program after a serious injury and is expected to return to action in the first months of 2027.
Real Madrid players who participated in the World Cup are expected to join group training sessions between August 5 and 10 to build up the squad before the start of the season.
This preparatory phase will be of great importance for Mourinho and his technical staff, as it will provide the last opportunity to resolve all outstanding issues and choose the starting line-up with which he will begin the journey to regain the championship title and fight for all competitions.
