Jose Mourinho, Manager of Real Madrid
Photo by Denis Doyle/Getty Images
Jose Mourinho has had a mixed start to the new season with Real Madrid, with a few solid performances and a few disappointing ones.
Los Blancos lost the Madrid derby 2-1 to Atletico Madrid just before the international break and have to become more consistent after it.
Mourinho is beginning to establish a recognisable Real Madrid starting XI, but several important questions remain unresolved.
The international break gives the Portuguese coach valuable time to consider decisions that could shape his team during a demanding October.
According to Diario SPORT, Mourinho currently has four major tactical issues to address: his preferred right-back, the hierarchy at centre-back, the balance of his double pivot and how to accommodate Arda Guler and Yan Diomande in attack.
Dumfries, Trent and the defensive hierarchy
At right-back, Denzel Dumfries appears to have an advantage over Trent Alexander-Arnold. The Dutchman’s physicality suits Mourinho’s approach.
He gives Los Blancos intensity and defensive security. Alexander-Arnold offers considerably more in attack, but his defensive lapses make his case much harder to argue.
Denzel Dumfries, Netherlands and Real Madrid player
Denzel Dumfries is the first-choice right-back for Real Madrid. (Photo by Lars Baron/Getty Images)
Then there is another decision centrally. Ibrahima Konate and Dean Huijsen currently look like Mourinho’s preferred partnership.
However, Eder Militao is nearing a return from injury, and if the Brazilian can rediscover his best level after his injury problems, Mourinho will have another important decision to make.
Madrid still searching for midfield balance
The more complicated question involves Aurelien Tchouameni and Fede Valverde.
Together, they provide athleticism, defensive coverage and enormous work rate. However, they lack the creativity Madrid need.
That is where Bernardo Silva becomes particularly interesting. The Portuguese midfielder offers the control and imagination Madrid lack from deeper areas.
Bernardo Silva of Real Madrid
Jose Mourinho needs to look at using Bernardo Silva more in the upcoming games.
However, his involvement so far this season has been surprisingly limited, and Mourinho needs to find a way to address this after the break.
Guler and Diomande are forcing the issue
The biggest selection headache may ultimately come further forward.
Guler has become increasingly difficult to leave out because of his creativity, while Diomande has shown the explosiveness and directness capable of changing Madrid’s attack.
Finding room for both inevitably has to come at the cost of an established starter like Vinicius Junior, who is not in the best form.
Mourinho has publicly backed the Brazilian and expects him to rediscover his best level. However, there is only so much longer he can keep giving him minutes without the performances.
October is an important month for Madrid and should provide answers. It remains to be seen how Mourinho addresses these key tactical calls in the coming month.
Vinicius Jr., Brazil and Real Madrid player
Photo by Albert Perez/Getty Images
Real Madrid will soon be boosted by the return of one more star player, as the club prepare for the season’s restart next weekend.
The team has already had quite a few players back from the international break including Kylian Mbappe, who had picked up an injury against Turkey.
Real Madrid will soon welcome back one more player, though not necessarily due to injury this time.
Vinicius set to return
Vinicius Jr., Real Madrid player
Vinicius Jr. was toothless against India. (Photo by Albert Perez/Getty Images)
Vinicius Jr. is set to return to Santiago Bernabeu after playing out the final friendly for Brazil against India in Kolkata.
The forward started the game against India but was subbed off at half-time. He is now expected to return to the Bernabeu, after a gruelling schedule that saw Brazil travel to Australia and India.
Vinicius Jr.’s performance against India saw the Brazilian struggle to make much of an impact on the flanks, even as the Selecao dominated in the final third.
Although he attempts three shots on goal, one of them was a wayward attempt while the forward also notably missed an opportunity to score from a great volleyed effort, misjuding the shot completely.
Lots of questions to answer
Vinicius Jr., Brazil and Real Madrid player
Can Vinicius find his peak at Real Madrid? (Photo by Albert Perez/Getty Images)
As Vinicius Jr. looks to return to Santiago Bernabeu soon, he must answer many question marks over his performances for both club and country.
Vinicius’ poor showing during the international break has already led to conspiracy theories about a potential clone.
While much of it is simply an internet meme, it does raise key issues related to his performances, with the forward scoring just one goal for Real Madrid this season.
If he continues to struggle in front of goal and build a solid relationship with Mbappe, his place in the team could be in danger, knowing that Jose Mourinho is not someone who is afraid of taking drastic measures.
The coming weeks, therefore, could be critical for the Brazilian international.