Jose Mourinho has reportedly concluded that Federico Valverde, Aurelien Tchouameni and Eduardo Camavinga cannot always operate together in Real Madrid’s midfield, with the manager favouring greater creativity against technically strong opponents such as Barcelona.
According to Defensa Central, Real Madrid’s 2-1 El Clasico victory at the Spotify Camp Nou reinforced his belief that midfield balance depends on the opposition and the qualities of the players selected.
Mourinho’s decision to introduce Bernardo Silva into the starting line-up, while deploying Arda Guler in a more advanced role, helped Los Blancos compete against Barcelona’s pressing game and create a more fluid structure in possession.
Mourinho changes Real Madrid midfield
Against Barcelona, Mourinho prioritised technical quality alongside defensive protection.
Rather than starting Valverde, Tchouameni and Camavinga together, the Portuguese manager selected Bernardo Silva to provide greater control and creativity, while the Uruguayan started as a right-back.
Mourinho has made a decision regarding his midfield. (Photo by Florencia Tan Jun/Getty Images)
Guler operated ahead of the midfield, while Tchouameni offered defensive cover and helped the team progress through Barcelona’s first line of pressure.
The approach allowed Real Madrid to contest possession instead of retreating into a defensive shape.
It also gave their more creative players greater freedom to find space and exploit gaps behind Barcelona’s press.
Bernardo and Guler provide Real Madrid with creativity
Mourinho had previously been reluctant to move away from a more physically powerful midfield combination.
Valverde and Tchouameni indeed offered energy, defensive strength and the ability to compete in duels, but relying heavily on physical attributes could limit Madrid’s creativity in possession.
Recent selection changes began to alter that thinking. With Valverde sometimes deployed at full-back, Guler and Bernardo Silva were given opportunities to operate alongside Tchouameni in midfield.
The El Clasico performance offered encouragement that this combination could help Real Madrid control matches against opponents who press aggressively.
Mourinho will not stick to a single midfield pair. (Photo by Alex Caparros/Getty Images)
Bernardo’s technical ability and Guler’s movement gave the team additional passing options, while Tchouameni provided the defensive foundation.
Real Madrid midfield selection will depend on the opposition
Despite the tactical shift, Mourinho is not expected to abandon physical midfielders altogether.
The report states that he continues to insist there is no fixed starting eleven, with selections depending on the demands of individual matches.
Against technically accomplished sides such as Barcelona, Bernardo Silva and Guler could offer the creativity needed to escape pressure and maintain possession.
Against more physical opponents, Mourinho could instead turn to Valverde, Tchouameni and Camavinga to strengthen Madrid’s ability to win midfield duels.