Mourinho selects Real Madrid side for Schalke friendly as Diomande waits for his chance

Jose Mourinho has named a Real Madrid starting XI featuring Kylian Mbappe, Vinicius Junior and Brahim Diaz for Sunday evening’s friendly against Schalke, while new signing Yan Diomande has been left among the substitutes.

The Portuguese manager has opted to begin the match with Mbappe in the attack, alongside Vinicius Junior and Brahim Diaz. Diomande, the Ivorian newcomer, will instead start the game on the bench.

Mourinho’s selection also includes a strong line-up across midfield and defence, with Real Madrid set to face Schalke in a friendly fixture.

Thibaut Courtois has been chosen in goal, with Trent Alexander-Arnold, Dean Huijsen, Alvaro Carreras and Ibrahima Konate forming the defensive unit.

Bernardo Silva, Federico Valverde and Arda Guler will operate in midfield, while Brahim Diaz, Vinicius Junior and Mbappe make up the forward line.

The Real Madrid team is:

Goalkeeper: Thibaut Courtois

Defenders: Trent Alexander-Arnold, Dean Huijsen, Alvaro Carreras, Ibrahima Konate

Midfielders: Bernardo Silva, Federico Valverde, Arda Guler

Forwards: Brahim Diaz, Vinicius Junior, Kylian Mbappe

The decision to start Mbappe gives Real Madrid an established attacking presence from the opening whistle. He will be joined by Vinicius Junior and Brahim Diaz, with the trio selected ahead of Diomande for the Schalke meeting.

Diomande’s place on the substitutes’ bench is the main point of interest in Mourinho’s team announcement. The Ivorian has been included in the matchday squad but will not be part of the starting XI.

Behind the forwards, Mourinho has selected a midfield featuring Bernardo Silva, Federico Valverde and Arda Guler. That trio will provide the central presence for a side also containing several prominent names in defence.

Courtois keeps his place in goal, while Alexander-Arnold, Huijsen, Carreras and Konate have been named in front of him. The defensive selection completes a starting team that combines the chosen attacking trio with a midfield led by Silva, Valverde and Guler.

Real Madrid will therefore begin the friendly with Mbappe, Vinicius Junior and Brahim Diaz as their front three, while Diomande must wait for an opportunity from the bench.