Mourinho’s second Real Madrid spell, early selections and system take shape | OneFootball

José Mourinho’s second Real Madrid stint is days from starting, with Espanyol the opener at RCDE Stadium on Saturday at 21:30. Pre-season has been encouraging, his imprint seen in greater steel and sacrifice they want to take into La Liga.

According to Superdeporte, the game idea is taking shape but the starting XI remains unsettled. Mourinho has moved from 4-3-3 to 4-2-3-1, the double pivot used throughout pre-season and looking non-negotiable.

In goal there is little doubt, Thibaut Courtois stays first choice. At centre-back, with Militao injured and Asencio the fourth option, places are between Huijsen, Konaté and Rudiger. On the left Cucurella arrives as a key piece, while the right is undecided after Alexander Arnold and Denzel Dumfries split minutes.

In the double pivot alongside Valverde, options are Tchouaméni, Bernardo Silva, Camaving and Arda Guler. Bernardo Silva and Tchouaméni appear to have the edge, the former offering craft long sought since Kroos left, the latter more defensive with less ball movement. Arda Guler, despite his technique, showed last season he was not ready to run the game.

Ahead of them, Jude Bellingham will be focal, though he could rotate with Arda Guler, who might start on Saturday given the Englishman’s lack of rhythm. Up front it is Vinicius left, Mbappé at 9 and Diomandé, the club’s record signing, completing the trio. The only doubt concerns the Ivorian’s adaptation, he could make way for Brahim, Endrick or Arda Guler, with Carlos Espí joining them as luxury impact options.

Source: Superdeporte

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