Real Madrid's La Liga season begins this week, but the club will get extra preparation time because several players took part in the final rounds of the World Cup. Two preseason friendlies have already given a look at what Jose Mourinho wants from his squad this season.
Madrid won their first friendly in Budapest, where new signing Carlos Espi scored his first goal for the club and Bernardo Silva made his debut. The last internationals will join the squad this week under Mourinho, finally giving him his full group of players to make purely footballing decisions. Beyond possible departures through sales or loans, and a potential signing, the focus is shifting toward sporting matters, where many decisions remain at every level. The only settled position right now is goalkeeper.
Defense still unresolved
The one thing that appears decided is that Cucurella will be the starting left back, with the new signing holding a clear edge over Carreras. From there, everything is less certain. The right back spot looks like an even fight between Trent Alexander-Arnold and Dumfries, two very different types of player.
Center back is no clearer. Militao is not yet ready, and Konate remains a question mark after an uncertain year at Liverpool and limited minutes at the World Cup. Rudiger and Huijsen currently have the edge, though neither is at full fitness. Rudiger showed last season that his physical condition is no longer ideal, and the Spaniard had serious doubts of his own, ultimately missing the World Cup. The injured Asencio is also in the mix and could even leave before the transfer window closes.
Attack shapes the midfield puzzle
Sorting out the defense looks straightforward compared with the attacking positions. Three names appear untouchable right now: Mbappe, Vinicius and Bellingham. The fourth is Diomande, who looks set to start on the right wing. A signing of that stature is unlikely to arrive only to sit on the bench, which sharply narrows the available space elsewhere.
That points toward a 4-2-3-1 formation with just two midfield spots for a crowded field of candidates. Logic suggests Valverde and Tchouameni as the pair, but Madrid struggled badly with creating chances last season, and neither player ranks among the club's best passers.
Guler's rise and a wildcard in Bernardo Silva
Fielding that lineup would also mean leaving out one of the standout names of preseason: Arda Guler. The Turkish playmaker has arrived determined to win over Mourinho and has been decisive in the opening matches. The problem is that his ideal role appears to belong to Bellingham, making his fit awkward even though he clarifies the team's play on the ball. His form has drawn attention across Europe, with talk of a major offer from Luis Enrique.
The other name who could improve Madrid's ball movement is Bernardo Silva, who can play in multiple positions. Mourinho has said Silva is not yet at his physical best, but he is still considered important for the type of profile the manager wants more of in his squad. Using him in central midfield would sacrifice physicality and defensive strength but could open up more attacking options.
Several other players are pushing for places further forward, including Carlos Espi, Endrick, Camavinga and Brahim, with Rodrygo set to return in a few months. Not everyone can fit into the lineup, and only 12 days remain before the season starts.
