Mourinho sees new Real Madrid signing as key piece despite World Cup disappointment | OneFootball

Real Madrid news surrounding Bernardo Silva has taken an interesting turn following the midfielder’s underwhelming 2026 FIFA World Cup campaign with Portugal. 

While the experienced playmaker struggled to establish himself during the tournament, his standing at the Santiago Bernabeu appears unaffected.

According to AS, new Real Madrid manager Jose Mourinho remains convinced that the club’s summer signing will become an important figure in his plans for the new season. 

Despite Bernardo Silva’s limited involvement at the World Cup, the Portuguese manager views him as one of the players capable of bringing balance, creativity and tactical intelligence to his preferred system.

Bernardo Silva to play key role in Mourinho’s system

As per the outlet, it has come to light that Mourinho has already identified where Bernardo Silva fits into his Real Madrid plans.

Bernardo Silva will play an important role under Mourinho. (Photo by Florencia Tan Jun/Getty Images)

The Portuguese coach is expected to build his side around a 4-2-3-1 formation, with Bernardo Silva viewed as a valuable option capable of operating in multiple attacking roles.

Whether deployed as a central attacking midfielder or drifting inside from the right flank, Bernardo Silva’s versatility is one of the qualities Mourinho values most. 

Notably, that flexibility may also prove decisive in the battle for places, especially with several attacking positions still open ahead of Real Madrid pre-season.

Although Bernardo Silva’s World Cup performances raised questions after he started only Portugal’s opening match before spending most of the tournament on the bench, Mourinho appears determined to judge the midfielder on what he can offer at club level rather than his recent international form.

Bernardo Silva faces strong competition

There is little doubt that earning a regular place in the Real Madrid starting XI will require consistent performances.

Bernardo Silva lost his place in the Portuguese side. (Photo by Dan Mullan/Getty Images)

After beginning Portugal’s World Cup campaign as a starter against DR Congo, Bernardo Silva featured for just 97 minutes across four matches, finishing the tournament without registering a goal or an assist.

Those numbers inevitably led to questions over his current form, but the midfielder now has the opportunity to leave that disappointment behind as he begins life at Real Madrid.

The competition for attacking midfield places remains fierce, meaning Bernardo Silva will have to fight for his place at Real Madrid throughout pre-season. 

However, his experience and ability to perform in several positions could give him an important advantage over other options within Mourinho’s squad.