This Could Be José Mourinho's Starting XI at Real Madrid
With a revamped squad and several marquee signings, José Mourinho now has plenty of options as he prepares for his return to the Real Madrid bench. Here's how Los Blancos could line up at the start of the new season.
Mourinho Begins Building His New Real Madrid
Real Madrid's rebuild is well underway, and José Mourinho now has one of the most talented squads in world football at his disposal.
After an aggressive summer transfer window, the Portuguese manager faces the challenge of blending established stars with exciting new arrivals. Finding quality won't be the issue—creating the right balance will be the key to returning Los Blancos to the top.
A Back Line Full Of Competition
If everyone is fit, Thibaut Courtois remains the undisputed first-choice goalkeeper.
In defense, Marc Cucurella appears set to claim the left-back role, while Antonio Rüdiger and Éder Militão are the favorites to start at center-back, although new signing Ibrahima Konaté will be pushing hard for a place in the lineup.
On the right flank, Denzel Dumfries seems to fit Mourinho's preferred profile with his physicality, defensive discipline, and ability to contribute going forward.
Stability In Midfield
The midfield is expected to be built around Aurélien Tchouaméni and Federico Valverde, whose energy and defensive qualities provide the foundation for Mourinho's system.
Ahead of them, Jude Bellingham is the leading candidate to operate as the attacking midfielder, linking midfield and attack, though Bernardo Silva and Arda Güler also offer strong alternatives for that creative role.
Competition for places will be fierce, but Bellingham currently appears to have the edge.
A Star-Studded Attack
Real Madrid's biggest selection dilemma comes in the attacking third.
Kylian Mbappé is expected to lead the line, while Vinicius Jr. should continue to occupy his preferred position on the left wing, where he has been at his most dangerous throughout his career.
The arrival of Yan Diomandé gives Mourinho another explosive option. Although the Ivorian can play on either flank, deploying him on the right would allow Vinicius to remain on the left while giving Madrid pace, creativity, and balance across the front line.
If Mourinho opts for that setup, Real Madrid's strongest starting XI could feature Courtois; Dumfries, Militão, Rüdiger, Cucurella; Tchouaméni, Valverde; Diomandé, Bellingham, Vinicius Jr.; and Mbappé—a lineup capable of challenging for every major trophy this season.
