After a month of preparing for the season ahead, Jose Mourinho has made some key observations in his new-look Real Madrid squad.
The coach has already been impressed by youngsters Mario Rivas and Alex Ciria. But as far as the first-team is concerned, that is rather inconsequential.
Mourinho’s big challenge will be accomodate the six new signings into the system. But perhaps a bigger challenge will be to plan around existing stars as well.
Mourinho’s big dilemma this season
According to MARCA, Mourinho faces a big dilemma in Real Madrid’s creative unit heading into the new season.
Mourinho has to find a lot of answers in the Real Madrid XI. (Photo by Jose Manuel Alvarez Rey/Getty Images)
His plan is to accomodate both Jude Bellingham and Arda Guler in the same lineup, so Real Madrid become extra effective when creating chances.
However, in a team full of star attackers such as Yan Diomande, Vinicius Jr. and Kylian Mbappe, that is going to be rather difficult.
Even the former coach Alvaro Arbeloa had a difficult time settling both Bellingham and Guler in the same eleven last season. With Real Madrid signing more players this summer, Mourinho’s job will be made even harder.
What can they offer to the table?
Having Bellingham and Guler in the same eleven does solve a lot of problems for Real Madrid.
Can Bellingham and Guler play in the same team? (Photo by Angel Martinez/Getty Images)
Bellingham is effectively a number ten who can offer those marauding runs into the box, making life extra difficult for opposing defenders.
Guler, on the other hand, can operate well in tight spaces and versatile enough to move out wide, if necessary.
The two could work in tandem to create openings for players like Mbappe, Diomande and Vinicius in the final third.
The only possible way Real Madrid can accomodate the two in the same lineup is if Mourinho sacrifices Diomande, with Guler operating wide alongside Vinicius and Mbappe leading the line. Bellingham can operate as the sole number in a 4-2-3-1.
Alternatively, Bellingham can operate in the double-pivot, but that would leave the number six with a lot of defensive work – something that is not feasible.