Mourinho opts for creativity as Real Madrid rethink midfield balance

Jose Mourinho is set to move away from a midfield built around physical strength at Real Madrid, with Aurelien Tchouameni expected to partner either Bernardo Silva or Arda Guler in most matches.

The change follows the manager’s conclusion that Tchouameni and Federico Valverde do not provide enough creativity when selected together. Mourinho had initially viewed the pair as the foundation of his team, believing their power and athleticism would give Real Madrid the balance required in La Liga and the Champions League.

However, a run of matches convinced him that the combination was restricting the side’s attacking options. The meetings with Elche, Atletico Madrid, Villarreal and Roma highlighted Real Madrid’s lack of solutions when their midfield relied on two physically strong players without sufficient creativity.

Mourinho remains committed to Tchouameni, whose defensive work, strength and ability to disrupt opposition attacks make him an important part of the team. The Frenchman also helps keep the lines compact and provides the defensive balance the manager wants.

But Mourinho now believes Tchouameni needs a more creative player alongside him, someone capable of controlling possession, building attacks from deep and improving the team’s fluency.

The plan became increasingly clear after Mourinho used Valverde at right-back against Villarreal, when Real Madrid needed a victory. He then repeated the decision against Roma as the side sought to recover from a difficult position, before naming Valverde at full-back from the start against Sevilla.

Those decisions underlined the importance of having either Guler or Silva in the starting XI. Mourinho’s preference is now for one of them to operate alongside Tchouameni, rather than restoring the original midfield pairing except in occasional matches.

Real Madrid began the season with Valverde performing well as a holding midfielder while Tchouameni was injured. Guler and Silva took turns completing the midfield alongside the Uruguay international, and the early performances left a positive impression.

Mourinho later paired Eduardo Camavinga with Valverde against Malaga, before Tchouameni returned to the starting line-up for the match against Elche. From that point, doubts grew over the team’s performances and tactical direction.

Mourinho has repeatedly said his team selection depends on the condition of his squad and the nature of the opposition. He may therefore use a more physical midfield again in certain games, but the adjustment to his preferred structure is considered permanent for most fixtures.

The manager could also repeat the approach used in El Clasico and against Valencia, when Guler and Silva started together alongside Tchouameni.

Dumfries, Trent Alexander-Arnold and Carreras are also expected to be important in allowing Valverde and Marc Cucurella to be rested during selected La Liga and Champions League matches.