Revealed: Jose Mourinho has formation in mind for revamped Real Madrid side

Real Madrid are ushering in a new dawn this summer, despite the fact it is a familiar face in Jose Mourinho returning to the club to lead it. The return of the Portuguese manager also coincides with with a dramatic shift in transfer policy, with Los Blancos spending big on an established player for the first time since before the Covid-19 pandemic.

Already, Real Madrid have brought in four signings, with Ibrahima Konate, Denzel Dumfries, Bernardo Silva and Marc Cucurella all arriving, the latter for a large fee from Chelsea. It is expected that at least two more signings will arrive this summer, including a star central midfielder, with Enzo Fernandez the favourite to follow Cucurella from Stamford Bridge.

Mourinho has formation in mind for Real Madrid side

As explained by The Athletic, Mourinho is planning to set up his side in a 4-2-3-1 formation next season. A key part of that will be giving Jude Bellingham the number 10 role behind the striker, which will presumably remain Kylian Mbappe. It remains to be seen what nuances Mourinho will add to the team with and without the ball, but initially, it would place greater defensive demands on Vinicius Junior. Bellingham has spoken of his delight that Mourinho has arrived, while there has also been a suggestion that he will build his side to suit Mbappe.

Who will occupy Real Madrid’s right flank?

The other major question mark over that formation would be the right flank. Although Rodrygo Goes has operated there frequently, the Brazilian is not a natural on the right, and will be out injured for the rest of the calendar year. That would perhaps leave Brahim Diaz or Fede Valverde as the most obvious alternatives on the right flank, a position the Uruguayan has often been in. On the other hand, Mourinho could use Denzel Dumfries and Trent Alexander-Arnold together, doubling up.