Jose Mourinho faces four major tactical decisions when the international break ends, with Real Madrid’s starting line-up still unresolved in key areas including right-back, central defence, midfield and attack.
The Portuguese manager’s preferred team is beginning to take shape, but several positions remain open. The choices Mourinho makes could alter the side’s structure when domestic and European competition resumes, according to Catalan newspaper Sport.
Right-back and central defence
Denzel Dumfries appears to have a slight advantage over Trent Alexander-Arnold at right-back. The Netherlands international fits particularly well with Mourinho’s physical approach and returns from the break after playing an important role for his country.
Alexander-Arnold offers a different option, especially when Real Madrid need to build from the back. However, his recurring defensive lapses remain a concern and count against him under Mourinho.
At centre-back, circumstances may prove just as influential as the manager’s preference. Ibrahima Konate and Dean Huijsen are expected to form the first-choice partnership, although injuries and suspensions have made the position difficult to settle.
The condition in which Eder Militao returns will be especially significant. The Brazil defender has started training with the group and is nearing a comeback, which could change the order of preference. If he recaptures his best form, Sport says there is little doubt that Militao is the strongest centre-back in the squad.
Midfield balance
The holding midfield partnership also presents Mourinho with a dilemma. Federico Valverde and Aurelien Tchouameni provide good coverage across the pitch and defensive security, but their selection could limit Real Madrid’s creativity in possession.
That lack of invention has affected the club for several seasons and is closely associated with the French and Uruguayan pairing.
Bernardo Silva would offer a different type of quality in midfield, although his contribution so far has been well below expectations. His limited involvement with Portugal during the international break also suggests he is not yet at his best physically.
Attacking options
The most intriguing decision concerns the forward line, where Arda Guler and Ousmane Diomande are both pushing for greater involvement.
Guler has developed into an indispensable source of creativity, while Diomande is showing that he can provide what the team needs. His minutes in the Madrid derby, at least, have given Real Madrid supporters encouragement.
Using both players, however, would mean leaving out another member of the attack. That raises the difficult question of which established player Mourinho could drop.
From a purely footballing perspective, attention is likely to focus on Vinicius Junior, whose start to the season has been significantly below his usual standard. Mourinho has publicly defended the Brazilian, insisting that it is only a matter of time before his goalscoring touch returns.
Nevertheless, Vinicius remains under close scrutiny. A demanding October schedule, featuring a series of difficult matches, should provide a clearer indication of the direction Real Madrid are taking under Mourinho.
