Jose Mourinho identifies his preferred pivot pairing at Real Madrid – report

Journalist Roberto Morales believes Jose Mourinho has already given a strong indication of how he wants his new-look midfield to operate.

After a busy summer that has brought six new signings and several departures, Mourinho is still working towards his ideal starting XI. 

There are questions in several positions, particularly in midfield and attack, although the Portuguese coach’s use of a 4-2-3-1 system during pre-season has provided some early clues.

According to Roberto Morales, as relayed in Defensa Central, Mourinho’s preferred double pivot could consist of Aurelien Tchouameni and new signing Bernardo Silva.

The pairing would place two very different profiles at the base of Real Madrid’s midfield, with Tchouameni providing defensive protection and Bernardo offering control and quality in possession.

Morales also believes the decision could have consequences for Arda Guler’s role in Mourinho’s plans.

Tchouameni and Bernardo tipped for Mourinho’s double pivot

Roberto Morales believes Mourinho has a clear idea of the players he wants at the centre of his system.

Aurelien Tchouameni will be Mourinho’s preferred choice. (Photo by Mattia Ozbot/Getty Images)

The journalist has predicted that Tchouameni and Bernardo Silva will operate behind Real Madrid’s attacking players in the Portuguese manager’s preferred formation.

“With Mbappe, Vinicius, Diomande, and Bellingham, the two midfielders who will play behind them are Tchouameni and Bernardo Silva,” Morales stated.

It is an update that contradicts previous claims that Federico Valverde would partner Bernardo Silva, although that was only predicted for the Espanyol game, since Tchouameni is currently not fully fit.

As such, Tchouameni would be expected to take responsibility for protecting the defence and winning possession, while Bernardo Silva could provide the technical control needed to connect the midfield with Real Madrid’s dangerous attacking unit.

Ahead of them, Morales sees Kylian Mbappe, Vinicius Junior, Yan Diomande and Jude Bellingham forming the attacking line.

That prediction also appears to leave little room for Guler in the No. 10 position, despite the Turkish midfielder’s obvious talent and ability to influence games in the final third.

Real Madrid’s defence appears more settled

Arda Guler will have to fight for his place. (Photo by Denis Doyle/Getty Images)

While uncertainty remains over parts of the midfield and attack, the defensive picture is starting to look clearer.

At right-back, Mourinho is expected to have two strong options in Trent Alexander-Arnold and Denzel Dumfries. 

Rather than one player immediately becoming the undisputed starter, regular rotation could be part of the plan.

The situation in central defence appears more straightforward.

Dean Huijsen and Ibrahima Konate are currently seen as the pairing most likely to start regularly, giving Mourinho a new-look partnership at the heart of the back line.

On the left, Marc Cucurella is reportedly the leading candidate to take the starting role after arriving as one of Real Madrid’s major additions this summer.