Real Madrid begin their La Liga campaign this Saturday. During pre-season, José Mourinho installed a 4-2-3-1 system, but fierce competition within the squad means there is still uncertainty over the players who will make up his preferred starting XI.
José Mourinho is returning to familiar territory at Real Madrid. The 4-2-3-1 formation was the system that helped him win every major domestic trophy during his first spell in charge between 2010 and 2013, including the 2011 Copa del Rey, the 2011-12 La Liga title and the 2012 Spanish Super Cup.
Thirteen years later, the Portuguese coach is back at the helm with a highly competitive squad and one clear objective: ending Barcelona’s recent dominance in Spanish football. With the World Cup semi-finalists now back with the group, Mourinho has almost his entire squad available, apart from the injured players, and can put the finishing touches on his ideal team.
One of the biggest questions concerns the No.10 position.
Bellingham and Güler battle for the No.10 role
Arda Güler operated as Real Madrid’s attacking midfielder throughout all six pre-season matches. However, the Turkish star could eventually make way for Jude Bellingham, who appears to be Mourinho’s favourite option behind the striker.
Bellingham already demonstrated his qualities in this position during the World Cup. Given freedom between the lines, the England international impressed with his movement, intelligence and ability to exploit spaces around the opposition penalty area. He finished the tournament as the joint-third highest scorer with seven goals.
His performances were reminiscent of his outstanding 2023-24 campaign under Carlo Ancelotti, when he scored 23 goals and provided 13 assists in all competitions while operating in an advanced midfield role.
Mourinho’s main challenge will be finding a structure that allows Bellingham and Kylian Mbappé to coexist without occupying the same spaces.
🇹🇷Arda Guler Vs 🏴Jude Bellinghams stats for the last two seasons:
— Dafwang Vilret (@VilretM) August 3, 2026
⚽Matches Played
Arda Guler: 86
Jude Bellingham: 98
🥅Goals
Arda Guler: 21
Jude Bellingham: 27
🤲Assists
Arda Guler: 24
Jude Bellingham: 18
Goal Contributions
Arda Guler: 45
Jude Bellingham: 45
Avg. Goal… pic.twitter.com/kviZg0Gj20
Several possibilities in the double pivot
Behind the No.10, Mourinho has numerous options. Aurélien Tchouaméni and Federico Valverde naturally fit the profile required for a double pivot, combining defensive security with physical intensity.
However, Bernardo Silva’s arrival has changed the equation.
The former Manchester City midfielder can operate as a deep-lying playmaker, helping Real Madrid progress the ball under pressure, control the tempo and break opposition lines with his passing. His versatility also allows him to play higher up the pitch or on the right.
An demanding attacking structure
The 4-2-3-1 also places greater defensive responsibility on the wide attacking players. Valverde could therefore become an option on the right, particularly when Mourinho wants additional protection for attacking full-backs such as Trent Alexander-Arnold or Denzel Dumfries.
Vinícius Júnior should remain the first-choice option on the left, although Mourinho may need to adjust his defensive structure to preserve the Brazilian’s attacking freedom.
Yan Diomandé could also play an important role on the right thanks to his pace and ability to beat defenders. Brahim Díaz, Güler, Bernardo, Endrick and Rodrygo provide further alternatives.
🚨 POSSIBLE DOUBLE PIVOT COMBINATIONS FOR JOSE MOURINHO:
— Madrid Universal (@MadridUniversal) August 13, 2026
1. Bernardo Silva – Tchouameni
2. Bernardo Silva – Valverde
3. Tchouameni – Valverde
4. Tchouameni – Camavinga pic.twitter.com/bHPohTCpD3
Major competition in defence
Marc Cucurella currently appears to be one of the strongest candidates for a starting role, while competition between Dumfries and Alexander-Arnold remains intense on the right.
At centre-back, Dean Huijsen’s ball-playing ability could give him an advantage, leaving Antonio Rüdiger and Ibrahima Konaté battling for another place.
Mourinho therefore has an impressive range of combinations available. Pre-season has established the foundations of his 4-2-3-1, built around defensive solidity, quick transitions and attacking efficiency. The biggest challenge now is selecting the perfect starting XI from one of the deepest squads in Europe.
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