Mourinho could turn to Real Madrid veteran as a starting option after international break

Real Madrid head into the international break six points behind Barcelona, and it is safe to say that the deficit is massive considering the stage of the season.

Los Blancos have looked second best in most of the games they have played this season, but the recent defeat to Atletico Madrid was perhaps their worst performance yet, and it is clear that a lot must change.

The pressure on Jose Mourinho is clearly mounting, and the manager has some massive decisions to make over the next three weeks before club football returns.

The big midfield call

So far this season, Mourinho has maintained Aurelien Tchouameni and Federico Valverde as his top defensive midfield pairing on the field, especially for the big games.

While the former was indeed injured for a long time, his prompt inclusion into the dynamics made it clear that he was seen as essential.

Mourinho’s preferred duo so far. (Photo by Denis Doyle/Getty Images)

As reported by MARCA, however, one of Mourinho’s biggest decisions will have to arrive on the midfield composition – particularly the Valverde-Tchouameni pairing.

While both players are indeed match-winners in their own right, their ability to create openings and bring creativity to the field generates serious doubts. In fact, the duo have barely created any chances in their time together on the field.

The manager could, thus, turn to Bernardo Silva more often after the break and he could well arise as an optimal alternative starter – especially against defensive teams.

A need to play actively

Most of Real Madrid’s performances so far this season have seen the team play too passively and defend deep while waiting to hit out on the counter-attack.

Big decisions to make. (Photo by Denis Doyle/Getty Images)

What the opening phase of the season has made clear, however, is that it is simply not sustainable to retain the same dynamic moving forward.

Adding a creative player to the pivot and bringing in profiles like Arda Guler who can offer versatility, needless to say, will go a long way in seeing Real Madrid take charge of games.

All eyes, thus, will be on Mourinho to see if he can boldly bench the big names and work out a system that plays with a clear plan.