Mourinho considers new roles for four Real Madrid players

Jose Mourinho is considering positional changes for four Real Madrid players as he looks to maximise the versatility within his squad.

According to Defensa Central, the Real Madrid manager is testing whether his team can produce improved performances by asking players to take on different responsibilities. Federico Valverde, Aurelien Tchouameni, Trent Alexander-Arnold and Arda Guler are all candidates for positional switches.

Mourinho used Valverde at right-back during the second half of Real Madrid’s match against Villarreal, with the game still goalless. The move was intended to strengthen the team’s attacking threat on the right without weakening its defensive shape.

The decision proved effective, with Valverde creating the only goal of the match by providing the assist for Diomande.

Mourinho is now considering similar changes in future matches, either to respond to injuries and absences or to introduce alternatives capable of improving the team’s overall performance.

Alexander-Arnold an option in midfield

Valverde’s deployment at right-back gave Real Madrid greater attacking depth on the right, but it is not the only tactical solution available to Mourinho.

The Portuguese manager could also use Alexander-Arnold in midfield, a role the England international previously tried against Inter Milan. That experiment did not produce the desired result, although Mourinho believes the player could offer significant benefits in the position under different circumstances.

Against teams that defend deeply, remain compact and allow Real Madrid to dominate possession, Alexander-Arnold’s passing and creativity could become particularly valuable. His ability to distribute the ball and help construct attacks may be even more effective alongside Tchouameni, who could provide the defensive cover needed behind him.

That combination could help Real Madrid create openings and break through crowded defensive lines.

Tchouameni could cover in defence

Real Madrid are dealing with injuries to Eder Militao and Raul Asencio, while Ibrahima Konate has only just returned to fitness. Antonio Rudiger’s current physical condition also means he is no longer able to play a large number of consecutive minutes.

Those circumstances could lead Mourinho to seek a partner for Dean Huijsen in central defence. Tchouameni appears to be the preferred option after the manager assessed his performances in that position during previous seasons.

Mourinho believes the France international could provide considerable stability at the back. He also appears to favour Tchouameni’s experience in central defence over turning to a player from Real Madrid’s academy.

Guler could move into a deeper role

Guler has already played as an attacking midfielder, on the right wing and alongside a defensive midfielder. Mourinho has recognised that the Turkey international can have a strong influence when operating in deeper areas.

The position currently occupied by Jude Bellingham is viewed as one in which Guler could excel, particularly because of his ability to create chances and deliver the final pass.

Mourinho is not currently considering dropping Bellingham from the starting line-up. However, he could use Guler in some matches as an alternative, or allow him to move inside from the right.

That would give Valverde the opportunity to operate as the right-back and advance down the flank, helping Real Madrid maintain its balance while varying the distribution of its attacking roles.