Decisions to make: Mourinho’s Real Madrid selection posers

José Mourinho is back at Real Madrid - and he has some difficult decisions to make, with as many as five spots in his starting XI up for grabs. The club’s new signings, Marc Cucurella, Ibrahima Konaté, Denzel Dumfries and Bernardo Silva, have only intensified the competition for places. As a result, preseason will be crucial for the Portuguese manager as he works to settle on his preferred lineup before the campaign gets underway.

In several positions, assuming Mourinho’s players are all fully fit and available, the pecking order already appears clear. Kylian Mbappé, Vinícius Júnior, Jude Bellingham, Federico Valverde, Cucurella, and Thibaut Courtois are expected to form the backbone of Mourinho’s new-look Real Madrid. That leaves openings at right back, both center back spots, defensive midfield, and right wing, where competition is set to be fierce.

Sorting out the back line

The arrival of Dumfries has complicated Trent Alexander-Arnold’s path to a starting role. The Dutchman possesses many of the qualities Mourinho traditionally values in a fullback: defensive solidity, physicality, and relentless work rate. On the other hand, with questions still surrounding Madrid’s attacking threat down that flank, the Englishman’s offensive quality could provide an added dimension and help prevent opponents from focusing all their attention on the opposite side. Both players are expected to see significant minutes, but only one can be the first choice when the season’s biggest matches arrive.

Determining the center back partnership is another headache for Mourinho. Konaté’s arrival increases the number of candidates to five. The French defender, a regular starter at Liverpool who has seen no action at the World Cup, will arrive eager to prove he deserves a place in the lineup. Then there is Dean Huijsen, who will get another opportunity to showcase the form that made him one of Madrid’s standout performers at the Club World Cup, before his impact gradually faded as the season progressed.

Antonio Rüdiger and Éder Militão enter the race from similar positions. When healthy, both have already proven their value at the club, and each has won a Champions League title as a starter. The concern lies in their fitness after a season marked by recurring injury issues. Another option is Raúl Asencio, the academy product who quickly won over supporters with his early performances and who never fails to give everything for the badge whenever called upon.

Two spots, plenty of contenders

Silva’s signing is designed to address Madrid’s long-standing need for greater creativity in midfield. The Portuguese international spent much of last season in a central role for Manchester City and, after beginning the World Cup as a winger, found most of his playing time in midfield. Silva, Valverde and Aurélien Tchouaméni are all expected to battle for starting places, while Eduardo Camavinga looks to rediscover his best form.

Last season also saw the emergence of Thiago Pitarch. The young midfielder wants regular playing time, and he is expected to meet with Mourinho to decide whether a loan move would better serve his development or whether he should continue his progression with the first team. Meanwhile, the club remains alert to opportunities in the transfer market should the chance arise to further strengthen the position, although no specific target has emerged so far.

The right wing question

The final major uncertainty is on the right flank. Michael Olise remains the club’s dream target, but if a move fails to materialize, Madrid will look within its current squad for a solution.

Arda Güler currently holds the edge after a good campaign, though Brahim Díaz is pushing hard for a starting role. Franco Mastantuono and Endrick must decide whether the best move for their development is a loan spell elsewhere or staying to fight for minutes in the first team. Meanwhile, Rodrygo Goes continues his recovery from a serious injury, with his return not expected until early 2027.

The club’s final group of World Cup participants will rejoin preseason training between August 5 and 10. That preparation period will be critical as Mourinho and his staff look to answer the remaining questions and begin the club’s push to reclaim the LaLiga title.

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