Mourinho defines four pairs for the midfield of Real Madrid.

The arrival of José Mourinho at Real Madrid promises to transform the team's midfield, which has struggled to find the right balance in recent seasons. The Portuguese coach is known for his preference for a 4-2-3-1 system, and the early training sessions suggest that this could be the formation chosen, with Jude Bellingham playing the role of attacking midfielder. The big question facing Mourinho is: who will be the two players to form the double pivot?

Among the main options are Bernardo Silva, Aurélien Tchouaméni, Federico Valverde, and Eduardo Camavinga. Each of these combinations can offer a different dynamic to the midfield, and Mourinho will need to decide which pair maximizes the effectiveness of his team. With that in mind, here are four options that the coach might explore.

The first combination is between Bernardo Silva and Tchouaméni, which could be the most balanced if Mourinho opts for one midfielder to control possession and another to provide defensive protection. Tchouaméni would act as the deeper player, shielding the center-backs and ensuring a physical presence when the team loses the ball. This arrangement would allow Bernardo Silva more freedom to dictate the game. Although not a traditional defensive midfielder, Bernardo's intelligence could be crucial for ball progression in central areas.

Another alternative is the pairing of Bernardo Silva and Valverde, which would bring a more aggressive and mobile approach to the midfield. Valverde, with his speed and endurance, could cover large areas of the pitch, allowing Bernardo to focus on ball possession. This pairing may be ideal in matches where Real Madrid is expected to dominate possession, although the lack of a natural holding midfielder could leave space for exploitation by top opponents.

A third option, which many consider the safest, is the combination of Tchouaméni and Valverde. Tchouaméni would ensure positional discipline and defensive protection, while Valverde would add energy and pressing capability. This partnership would provide Real Madrid with the necessary robustness to compete against the best midfields in Europe. The question that arises is the chemistry between the two players, especially after a dispute in the previous season. Mourinho has already addressed the need for professionalism, and if they can overcome their differences, this duo could become the backbone of the team.

Finally, the combination of Tchouaméni and Camavinga offers a robust defensive option, with Camavinga providing energy and the ability to press higher, while Tchouaméni stays in a deeper position. Although there is belief in Camavinga's ability to evolve under Mourinho's guidance, the issue of progression and creativity could be a challenge, especially with Bellingham playing as an attacking midfielder. Thus, the delivery of creative passes will likely need to come from the wingers or full-backs.

Mourinho has several options at his disposal, and the choice of a double pivot will be crucial for Real Madrid's success next season. The way he combines these pieces in midfield could determine the team's performance in national and international competitions.