Why Bernardo Silva has struggled to establish himself at Real Madrid

Bernardo Silva’s difficult start at Real Madrid has raised questions over whether his limited involvement is down to fitness or Jose Mourinho’s tactical choices. The Portugal midfielder joined from Manchester City on a free transfer during the most recent summer window but has made only three starts under Mourinho.

Silva chose Real Madrid ahead of Barcelona and Atletico de Madrid after Mourinho personally persuaded him to join the club’s project. During a telephone conversation, the Portuguese manager outlined his plans for the future and presented Silva with the prospect of an important role in a side competing for the biggest honours.

Mourinho had specifically requested the signing, viewing Silva’s versatility and experience as key qualities in rebuilding Real Madrid’s midfield. The club announced that Silva had signed a two-season contract running until 30 June 2028.

However, the player’s first weeks in the Spanish capital have produced a clear contrast between expectations and reality. According to a report by Foot Mercato, published under the headline “Where has Bernardo Silva disappeared?”, Silva has played 282 minutes across six appearances. He has scored no goals and provided one assist.

He started his first match alongside Federico Valverde in central midfield before Mourinho moved him into a more advanced position. Silva faces competition from Valverde, Aurelien Tchouameni, Eduardo Camavinga, Jude Bellingham and Arda Guler, giving Mourinho several alternatives when selecting his midfield.

The manager explained Silva’s limited playing time by pointing to his condition when he arrived for pre-season.

“He arrived at pre-season in a condition that was below the required level, and he has to improve,” Mourinho said.

Yet Silva’s situation has not changed significantly as the weeks have passed. He remained an unused substitute during Real Madrid’s victory over Elche and was given only eight minutes in the Madrid derby against Atletico de Madrid, which Real Madrid lost 2-1.

French website Foot Mercato, citing Spanish newspaper Sport, summarised the midfielder’s position in straightforward terms: “He chose Real Madrid in search of a starting place, but he has started only three matches.”

A tactical problem or a fitness issue?

The situation is complicated by the fact Mourinho has not treated Silva simply as a reserve or a squad player. His signing was intended to provide Real Madrid with someone capable of operating in several positions and adapting to different tactical systems.

Mourinho has used Silva in a central-midfield partnership, while his technical ability also allows him to play in a more advanced attacking role. That flexibility is a strength, but it may also have made his position less clearly defined.

Unlike players with firmly established roles, Silva can become the midfielder Mourinho moves according to the demands of each match. His difficulties therefore appear more closely linked to the changing hierarchy and structure of Real Madrid’s midfield than to being completely out of the manager’s plans.

Suspensions for Silva, Camavinga and Guler forced Mourinho to adjust his midfield against Inter, suggesting the Portugal international’s absence can quickly affect the manager’s available options.

The question now is whether Silva can turn his versatility into a regular starting role, or remain the ideal player for completing the team without becoming one of Mourinho’s first choices.

Real Madrid are currently fourth in La Liga on 15 points, six points behind leaders Barcelona.