Mourinho maps out Bernardo Silva solution to Real Madrid’s midfield dilemma

Jose Mourinho is exploring whether Bernardo Silva can fill the creative midfield role Real Madrid wanted to address with the signing of Rodri, after the club’s failure to complete that deal left the manager searching for an internal solution.

The Portuguese coach has faced the issue from the beginning of his time in charge, having repeatedly asked for a midfielder capable of controlling the build-up and creating attacks. That player has not arrived, leaving Mourinho to consider how best to reshape the squad he already has.

According to Spanish newspaper Mundo Deportivo, Rodri had appeared to be the ideal choice and seemed close to moving to the Santiago Bernabeu. However, the Madrid-born midfielder ultimately rejected Real Madrid and chose Barcelona instead. His decision deprived Mourinho of the central component he had wanted to use as the foundation of his team’s play.

Following the collapse of the Rodri transfer, Real Madrid’s management informed Mourinho that no further signing would be made unless one of the club’s current players left. The board’s position was that the squad already possessed sufficient quality in midfield and that another arrival could only be sanctioned after a departure.

That restriction has prompted Mourinho to experiment during pre-season with a 4-2-3-1 system built around two holding midfielders. One of those positions appears likely to go to Aurelien Tchouameni or Eduardo Camavinga. Federico Valverde has also been tested in a defensive midfield role, including in the match against Schalke.

The second position remains the main question. Mourinho is looking for a player who can begin attacks from deep, connect the defensive and attacking phases, and give Real Madrid greater control over their build-up.

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Although Mourinho has also tried Arda Guler in the role, Bernardo Silva has emerged as the strongest candidate. The midfielder, who has joined from Manchester City, has impressed in friendly matches with his ability to link defence and attack while also contributing without possession.

Silva’s potential contribution would not be limited to a deeper midfield position. He has also been used on the right wing and as an attacking midfielder, underlining the versatility that has made him particularly appealing to Mourinho.

That flexibility could see the Portugal international start in the deeper role when Real Madrid open their league campaign against Espanyol. His ability to operate in several positions gives Mourinho an option that could compensate, at least within the squad, for the failed attempt to sign Rodri.

The situation is not yet definitive, however. The manager may still face a late change before the end of the transfer window, and an unexpected development in the final days could alter Real Madrid’s plans. Unless that happens, Bernardo Silva appears to be the most likely answer to the midfield problem created by Rodri’s decision to join Barcelona.