Mourinho’s Real Madrid ‘BMV’ trio given little time to rest

Jose Mourinho has quickly identified the core of his new Real Madrid side, with Jude Bellingham, Kylian Mbappe and Vinicius Junior becoming increasingly untouchable in his starting XI.

According to Spanish newspaper Marca, all three players have started Real Madrid’s first six matches of the season. Mourinho is also expected to select them against Elche and Atletico Madrid, with the prospect of a highly anticipated derby not even enough to convince him to rest them.

The numbers underline the Portuguese manager’s faith in the trio. Mbappe has played every available minute – 540 out of 540 – while Vinicius Junior has been substituted only once, losing 10 minutes in total through late changes when matches were effectively settled. Bellingham has featured for 515 minutes.

Together, the three players have missed only 35 minutes during the opening six rounds.

Mourinho’s selection policy is closely linked to the style he is trying to establish. After the match against Rayo Vallecano, he said he wanted to build a side that was “fast-paced”, direct and capable of punishing opponents in open space.

The manager believes that approach depends on having his three strongest attacking players available, particularly those best equipped to exploit space in the final third.

Mbappe leads the attack

Mbappe has so far been the outstanding figure among Real Madrid’s attacking options. He is the only forward to have completed every match and has scored seven goals at the start of the campaign.

Mourinho wants the France international to remain on the pitch even when the result appears secure. He considers every additional minute important in helping Mbappe maintain his rhythm, strengthen his confidence and sharpen his appetite for goals.

The manager sees him as his own version of Cristiano Ronaldo.

Bellingham, meanwhile, is returning to his best form. The England midfielder is once again influencing games across the pitch, making more frequent runs into the penalty area, contributing defensively and becoming increasingly involved in creating chances.

However, it is Bellingham’s leadership that appears to impress Mourinho most. On and off the pitch, the midfielder is emerging as one of the leading figures in the dressing room, matching the qualities the manager demands from his key players.

Vinicius Junior is also making gradual progress. Mourinho has publicly expressed his satisfaction with the Brazilian’s development, believing the main element missing is a return to regular scoring.

He wants Vinicius to rediscover the form that made him one of the world’s most decisive forwards. To help achieve that, Mourinho is offering him confidence, continuity and a prominent role, believing the clearest way to reinforce his importance is to keep him involved for as long as possible.

Mourinho understands that star players require attention, but also expects them to carry responsibility. Since taking charge, his message has combined both demands.

For the Portuguese manager, the only acceptable outcome is victory. He wants his best players happy, fully focused and performing at their highest level – meaning there is little prospect of rest for Real Madrid’s BMV trio.