Thiago Pitarch of Real Madrid and Spain
Photo by Charlotte Tattersall/Getty Images
With the international break coming to an end and Real Madrid preparing to resume club action, Jose Mourinho has important decisions to make in midfield.
Thiago Pitarch seems ready to take the next step in his Los Blancos career, with the young midfielder prepared to compete for a place in Mourinho’s midfield.
According to MARCA, Pitarch is now fully ready to challenge for opportunities and remains the only midfielder Mourinho has yet to test in his double-pivot system.
Pitarch waiting for his opportunity
The development comes as Mourinho continues assessing the different combinations available in the centre of the pitch.
The Portuguese coach has experimented with several midfield options, searching for the right balance between defensive security, ball progression and attacking support.
However, Pitarch has not yet been given an opportunity in the double pivot, despite firmly being in the first-team plans.
Thibaut Courtois and Thiago Pitarch of Real Madrid
Thiago Pitarch has already shown maturity beyond his years. (Photo by Florencia Tan Jun/Getty Images)
His technical qualities and ability to operate in tight spaces could make him an interesting alternative as Mourinho considers how to improve the team’s midfield structure.
However, with Aurelien Tchouameni, Federico Valverde, Eduardo Camavinga and Bernardo Silva among the options available, earning minutes could prove to be a major challenge.
Mourinho has one midfield experiment left
Pitarch’s situation is particularly interesting because Mourinho has already shown a willingness to evaluate different players in deeper midfield positions.
The double pivot demands much more than simply keeping possession. The players must recognise when to press, when to keep the ball and when to progress it.
For a young midfielder, those responsibilities can be demanding, but Pitarch has already shown that he is ready for such a role.
The upcoming weeks could offer Mourinho an opportunity to test Pitarch without placing excessive expectations on him.
Trent Alexander-Arnold, Real Madrid player
Mourinho should manage Pitarch’s minutes carefully. (Photo by Angel Martinez/Getty Images)
Madrid face a demanding schedule across La Liga and the Champions League, making midfield rotation increasingly important.
The defensive crisis also means that Mourinho might have to use Aurelien Tchouameni as a centre-back, at least against Villarreal.
Rather than immediately asking the youngster to compete for a permanent starting position, Mourinho could introduce him alongside an experienced defensive midfielder.
Playing Fede Valverde alongside Pitarch, for example, could be an interesting set-up for Mourinho to try out.
Pitarch has shown plenty of promise in his short time with the first team. It remains to be seen how he fares in the coming weeks and whether he gains a more prominent role under Mourinho.
Mourinho maintains unwavering faith in Real Madrid superstar despite his poor form – report
Vinicius Jr., Real Madrid player
Photo by Albert Perez/Getty Images
Vinicius Junior may be enduring one of his most difficult starts to a season at Real Madrid, with the Brazilian looking like a pale shadow of his former self.
However, his position in Jose Mourinho’s starting line-up remains secure. The Portuguese manager continues to believe in the Brazilian and is determined to help him rediscover his best form.
According to AS, Mourinho considers Vinicius an essential part of his attacking system.
Rather than questioning his place in the team, the coaching staff are exploring tactical adjustments that could help the winger become more influential.
Vinicius struggling to make his usual impact
The numbers highlight just how difficult the opening weeks have been.
Vinicius has managed only one goal and three assists in his first eight matches, representing his poorest start to a season since the pandemic.
His performance against Atletico Madrid was particularly concerning. The Brazilian recorded just 22 touches, fewer than any other Madrid player, including substitutes Eduardo Camavinga and Bernardo Silva.
Vinicius Jr., Real Madrid player
Vinicius has struggled to get going at Real Madrid. (Photo by Francisco Macia/Getty Images)
He completed only eight passes and attempted a single dribble, although that attempt was successful.
For a player whose greatest strength is his ability to constantly threaten defenders, such limited involvement is unusual.
Mourinho refuses to lose faith
Despite those struggles, Mourinho’s confidence has remained remarkably consistent.
Vinicius has played 652 minutes this season, making him Madrid’s fourth-most-used player.
Only Federico Valverde, with 654 minutes, and the ever-present Thibaut Courtois and Kylian Mbappe, both on 720 minutes, have featured more.
All this indicates that Mourinho still sees Vinicius as a fundamental part of his plans. The focus is therefore shifting towards finding ways to improve the Brazilian’s involvement.
Madrid must find a way to reconnect Vinicius with the attack
The most promising solution may involve changing how Madrid create opportunities on the left.
Vinicius is most dangerous when he receives possession facing defenders, with space to accelerate and team-mates offering nearby passing options.
Vinicius Junior of Real Madrid
Mourinho’s aim is to get the Brazilian back to his best level. (Photo by Florencia Tan Jun/Getty Images)
If Madrid can establish better connections between their left-back, midfield and attack, the Brazilian could receive the ball in more threatening positions instead of being isolated.
Arda Guler’s creativity and Jude Bellingham’s movement could also become important in drawing defenders away from his side.
Mourinho has an opportunity to make Madrid less predictable while bringing Vinicius back to the centre of his plans.
If Vinicius can get anywhere close to his best level, Los Blancos’ attack would look much more threatening than it does at the moment.
It remains to be seen whether Mourinho manages to get the Brazilian fit and firing in the coming weeks after the international break.