Jose Mourinho’s arrival at Real Madrid is expected to bring a strong structure to a midfield that has struggled to find the right balance in recent seasons.
The Portuguese manager has traditionally preferred a 4-2-3-1 system, and his early work with the squad has already pointed towards a similar setup.
In that structure, Jude Bellingham is set to operate as the attacking midfielder, playing behind the centre-forward and ahead of a two-man midfield pivot.
That leaves Mourinho with an important tactical decision: which two players should form the double pivot?
With Bernardo Silva, Aurelien Tchouameni, Federico Valverde and Eduardo Camavinga among the main options, Mourinho has several combinations to consider, as each pairing would give Real Madrid a very different midfield.
On that note, here are four options for Mourinho to consider.
Bernardo Silva – Tchouameni: Control and security
Bernardo Silva can partner Aurelien Tchouameni in the midfield. (Photo by David Balogh/Getty Images)
The Bernardo Silva and Aurelien Tchouameni partnership could be the most balanced option if Mourinho wants one midfielder to control possession and another to provide defensive protection.
Tchouameni would operate as the deeper player, protecting the centre-backs and offering a physical presence when Real Madrid lose the ball, as his ability to cover space would give Bernardo Silva greater freedom to dictate play.
Indeed, the former Manchester City player is not a traditional defensive midfielder, but his intelligence could help Real Madrid progress the ball through central areas.
He could drop deeper during the build-up, receive possession and connect the defence with Bellingham and the attacking line.
This pairing could work particularly well against teams that sit deep.
Recent reports around Tchouameni have also suggested that Mourinho continues to view him as an important part of the squad despite the reported dressing-room tension involving Valverde late last season.
Mourinho has made it clear that professionalism must come before personal issues, and that could allow Tchouameni to focus on becoming the defensive reference point in Mourinho’s midfield.
The concern here, however, would be physical intensity. Bernardo’s work rate is excellent, but a midfield containing him and Tchouameni could be vulnerable during fast transitions.
Bernardo Silva – Valverde: Energy meets creativity
Valverde would bring energy while Bernardo will establish balance. (Photo by Christian Bruna/Getty Images)
The Bernardo-Valverde partnership would give Mourinho a more aggressive and mobile midfield.
Valverde has the pace, stamina and defensive discipline to cover large areas, allowing Bernardo to spend more time influencing possession.
The Uruguayan could press high, support attacks and quickly recover his position when Real Madrid lose the ball.
This could be Mourinho’s preferred option in matches where Real Madrid expect to dominate the ball.
The Portuguese midfielder would provide calmness and creativity in deeper areas, while Valverde would add vertical running.
Simply put, their contrasting profiles could complement each other.
Valverde’s role is becoming more significant following his emergence as Real Madrid’s first-choice captain.
Tactically, however, this pairing has a risk, as neither player is a natural holding midfielder.
Hence, against top opponents, the space behind Bellingham could become exposed, particularly if Valverde pushes forward.
Tchouameni – Valverde: The big-game partnership
The Tchouameni-Valverde partnership would be perfect for Real Madrid. (Photo by Florencia Tan Jun/Getty Images)
On paper, this could be Mourinho’s safest double pivot, as Tchouameni offers positional discipline and defensive protection, while Valverde provides energy, pressing and ball-carrying ability.
The combination would give Real Madrid the physicality needed to compete against Europe’s strongest midfields.
Tchouameni could remain close to the defence, allowing Valverde to move higher and support Bellingham. Without the ball, both players have the athletic ability to cover large spaces.
This pairing would also give Mourinho more freedom to play an attacking front four.
With Bellingham operating as the No. 10, Real Madrid would have a solid platform behind him while allowing the attacking players to focus on creating chances.
The main question here will be their chemistry.
Following their altercation last season, Mourinho has reportedly spoken to both players and demanded professionalism.
If they can put those issues behind them, this partnership could become the backbone of the team.
Tchouameni – Camavinga: Mourinho’s most defensive option
Camavinga deserves a second chance under Mourinho. (Photo by David Balogh/Getty Images)
The Tchouameni-Camavinga partnership would offer Mourinho enormous physical ability and defensive coverage.
Camavinga’s energy could allow him to press higher and carry the ball forward, while Tchouameni remains in a deeper position.
Recent reports have suggested that Real Madrid still believe Camavinga has an extremely high ceiling despite his recent struggles.
The club feel Mourinho could help him return to his best level and potentially develop into a midfielder comparable to players valued at more than €100 million.
Hence, this combination could be particularly effective in matches where Real Madrid need to absorb pressure.
However, the biggest issue would be progression and creativity.
With Bellingham playing as the attacking midfielder, Real Madrid would need their wide players or full-backs to provide much of the creative link between midfield and attack.