Jose Mourinho faces two major Real Madrid selection dilemmas for Atletico derby | OneFootball

Jose Mourinho and Real Madrid make the trip across the city to face Atletico Madrid at the Metropolitano for the first Madrid derby of the season.

Atletico have had the edge over Los Blancos at home in recent seasons, but Mourinho’s arrival has given Madrid a boost.

The Portuguese tactician’s first derby since arriving at the club in the summer sees him face two difficult selection calls.

The core of his team for the Metropolitano appears largely settled, but competition in midfield and attack leaves the Portuguese coach with very different ways of approaching the game.

Guler or Diomande?

According to AS, Mourinho’s clearest attacking dilemma is between Arda Guler and Yan Diomande.

Both attackers strengthened their cases against Elche. Guler was involved in Madrid’s opening goal and continues to offer the creativity Mourinho needs between midfield and attack.

Yan Diomande is set to fight it out with Arda Guler for a starting berth against Atletico Madrid. (Photo by Florencia Tan Jun/Getty Images)

Starting him would give Madrid another player comfortable receiving inside, combining with Jude Bellingham and helping unlock Atletico when spaces become tight.

Diomande presents a completely different threat. The 19-year-old impressed from both wings against Elche, assisting Kylian Mbappe from the right before becoming even more dangerous on the left after Vinicius was withdrawn.

Against Atletico, that directness could be extremely valuable. Diomande can stretch the defensive line and attack space, while Guler offers greater control and invention.

That makes this more than a simple battle between two in-form players. Mourinho is effectively choosing between two markedly different tactical solutions.

Tchouameni leads another midfield debate

The second decision could shape the entire derby. Valverde and Tchouameni are expected to start together. Their job would be to protect Madrid’s defence, compete physically and prevent Atletico from progressing in attack.

Tchouameni’s return is particularly significant. He showed plenty of promise starting the previous game, but should he not be ready to start two games in quick succession, Mourinho has other options.

Bernardo Silva would provide more control in possession and could improve Madrid’s progression against Atletico’s pressure.

Tchouameni and Valverde are expected to be the preferred midfield pairing against Atletico. (Photo by Angel Martinez/Getty Images)

Camavinga provides another profile altogether. His athleticism, ball carrying and ability to escape pressure give Mourinho a different way of attacking Atletico’s midfield.

Mourinho must decide what he needs most

The expected back five is Courtois; Denzel Dumfries, Ibrahima Konate, Dean Huijsen and Marc Cucurella, with Bellingham, Vinicius and Mbappe also expected to start.

Mourinho now needs to decide what kind of pieces he wants to complete this jigsaw puzzle against Atletico.

Each choice he makes has the potential to bring a different consequence, and it remains to be seen how the Portuguese tactician sets his team up for the derby.