Mourinho’s Real Madrid project built around untouchable five

Kylian Mbappe, Vinicius Junior, Jude Bellingham, Federico Valverde and Thibaut Courtois are the only Real Madrid players to have started all six official matches under Jose Mourinho this season.

The five have emerged as the foundations of Mourinho’s new side, which has won five of those six games. Although each has a different role, their common feature is the Portuguese manager’s clear and consistent trust.

All five were already established figures at Real Madrid, but their circumstances were different at the same stage last season. Bellingham was recovering from a shoulder injury, while Vinicius Junior was alternating between starts and substitute appearances, according to Spanish newspaper Marca.

Mourinho has also reshaped some of their responsibilities to suit his team better.

Mbappe has made the strongest statistical start, scoring seven goals in six matches. If he maintains that rate, he could reach 100 goals for Real Madrid in only two seasons; he needs seven more to reach the mark.

Cristiano Ronaldo remains an obvious reference point for the France striker. The Portuguese reached 100 goals in his third season at Real Madrid, while Mbappe appears to have targeted 2 November as the date on which he hopes to equal his idol’s scoring record. His start to the campaign is among his best since moving to the Spanish capital, explaining his importance to Mourinho.

Vinicius, meanwhile, is still searching for his sharpest form. He has scored once in the league and provided three assists, but his finishing and accuracy in front of goal have not yet reached the level expected of him.

Mourinho will nevertheless value the Brazilian’s defensive contribution. Against Inter Milan, Vinicius recovered possession nine times ­– a figure no Real Madrid forward had achieved for more than a decade. The manager has warned that he will return strongly, with greater tactical discipline and team play potentially helping him recover his best form.

Bellingham has been restored to the advanced position where he can cause the most damage, particularly behind the striker. Mourinho did not want him operating in the demanding left-sided role that took him away from the penalty area and the spaces between the lines.

The change has brought three goals and two assists in six matches, recalling the level he showed during the 2023-24 season. He also scored seven goals at the World Cup, underlining his ability to influence games from attacking areas.

Valverde has moved away from temporary spells at full-back and on the wing to become part of a central midfield partnership. Mourinho relies on the Uruguay international for strength, pressing, constant running, covering ground and leadership, while Aurelien Tchouameni and Bernardo Silva provide more of the creativity and technical quality.

Courtois, meanwhile, has continued to produce the saves that have so often kept Real Madrid in matches. He was outstanding against Inter Milan and made important interventions during periods of pressure against Rayo Vallecano.

Real Madrid have kept only one clean sheet, against Malaga, but Mourinho recognises that defensive solidity cannot be placed solely on the Belgian goalkeeper. Protecting the goal is a collective responsibility.

The season remains long and rotation will be required, yet Mourinho appears to have identified his core group. The five who have started every match are already defining the balance of his team: experience, power, pace and match-winning quality.