Real Madrid continues to grapple with challenges in their midfield, as head coach Jose Mourinho has yet to identify the ideal partner for Federico Valverde. Over the course of eight matches, Mourinho has experimented with varying double pivot combinations but has yet to uncover a truly stable solution. Reports from MARCA indicate that the lack of fluid attacking play has heightened scrutiny on the midfield’s performance.
Valverde stands out as the only midfielder deemed irreplaceable, while those around him have been in a state of constant flux. This predicament is particularly interesting given Real Madrid’s active summer transfer window. The club brought in Bernardo Silva to help facilitate control in the midfield, yet his attributes have not fully aligned with the required dynamics that Mourinho envisions.
Midfield Options After International Break
With the international break looming, Mourinho is presented with several midfield options to consider. One of these is Thiago Pitarch, who has yet to see playing time due to an ongoing injury. Real Madrid has utilized four different double pivot pairings across eight matches, with a total of seven combinations attempted, including a rare placement of defender Trent Alexander-Arnold in the midfield setup.
Federico Valverde has consistently occupied one of the starting positions in these formations. However, a suitable partner capable of providing the balance Mourinho seeks alongside the Uruguayan remains elusive. While Aurelien Tchouameni adds defensive strength, his ability to dictate tempo and propel the ball forward is not his strongest suit. Eduardo Camavinga, on the other hand, brings a different dynamic but has only started in two matches this season.
Bernardo Silva’s Role and Pitarch’s Potential
Silva’s technical abilities are touted as a potential boon for enhancing ball control and creativity within the squad. His vision and knack for finding space among opposition lines could serve Mourinho’s tactical goals well. However, the physical demands of a double pivot role may present challenges for the Portuguese midfielder, who has not consistently cemented his spot in the starting lineup since joining Real Madrid.
This situation keeps Mourinho in search of the ideal combination that satisfies the squad’s needs, with Valverde retaining his vital role while the players alongside him remain open to rotation.
Meanwhile, Thiago Pitarch is eagerly awaiting his opportunity. The young midfielder has not had the chance to showcase his skills in competitive matches due to his recovery from injury, preventing Mourinho from making a full assessment of his capabilities. If Pitarch returns post-international break, he could provide a fresh alternative to the midfield mix. His profile differs from Tchouameni, Camavinga, and Silva, potentially offering variation in Mourinho’s tactical approach.
Nonetheless, it remains uncertain if Pitarch will be the solution to Real Madrid’s midfield dilemmas. Mourinho will need to monitor the player’s adaptation to the first team dynamics before concluding if he can become a pivotal part of the solution.
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