Real Madrid News
Mourinho and Khedira identify major problem with Mbappe and Vinicius at Real Madrid – report
Jose Mourinho and Sami Khedira are using the international break to study the problems that have emerged during Real Madrid’s opening weeks, with the defensive contribution of Kylian Mbappe and Vinicius Jr. emerging as one area requiring attention.
According to Defensa Central, the coaching staff believes there has been progress since Mourinho took charge, particularly in the team’s willingness to defend as a unit.
The derby defeat, however, has more or less confirmed that more work is required.
As per the outlet, the primary issue is asking two of Real Madrid’s biggest attacking stars to defend deeper, but there is more to the story.
As such, Mourinho wants them to improve their pressing without sacrificing the qualities that make them so dangerous going forward.
Mourinho wants more from Mbappe and Vinicius
Mbappe and Vinicius are already making greater efforts to win the ball back, with both players pressing more regularly than they did previously.
The coaching staff believes that improvement is still insufficient, though.
Their individual defensive numbers are being closely analysed, with Mourinho and Khedira looking for a bigger contribution without disrupting their attacking output.
The challenge right now is finding the right balance, as the two forwards need to know when to press high, when to recover their positions and when to stay ready for the transition after possession is won.
If done correctly, that would give Real Madrid’s midfield and defence bigger protection while allowing the forwards to remain in positions where they can hurt opponents.
Diomande and Bellingham provide the example
Mourinho and Khedira have a clear reference point within their own squad.
As such, Yan Diomande and Jude Bellingham are being viewed as examples of how attacking players can contribute to the defensive structure without losing their influence in possession.
Diomande, in particular, has impressed with his willingness to run and disrupt opposition build-up. Although the Ivorian is naturally an attacking player, his pressing has become an important part of his overall contribution.
The expectation is not that Mbappe and Vinicius should maintain maximum intensity for 90 minutes.
Rather, Mourinho wants them to recognise the moments when the team needs an extra defensive effort and respond accordingly.
Real Madrid News
Real Madrid superstar returns from the break in top form after stellar displays with national team
Jude Bellingham has been undisputedly one of the star performers in the UEFA Nations League so far, in this international break.
Bellingham started with a valiant effort in the defeat to Spain, before starring in the 7-0 win over Croatia. Last night, he was on fire once again, helping England secure a 3-0 victory over Czechia.
As club football resumes this weekend, it is fair to say that Bellingham will be one of the most in-form players at Real Madrid.
Bellingham on fire
Bellingham’s spectacular form has continued throughout the international break, with the midfielder registering one goal and four assists in four matches for England.
The standout display came against Croatia, where he produced a goal and three assists in the emphatic 7-0 win.
He made England history with that four-goal contribution, creating five chances and completing four dribbles while boasting a 100 percent pass accuracy.
Against Spain, he was comfortably England’s best player, assisting Anthony Gordon’s opener and leading the attacks.
In the final game against the Czech Republic, it was Harry Kane who stole the show with a brace on his record-equalling 125th cap, but Bellingham once again started as an undisputed figure in Tuchel’s side.
The Englishman has shown no signs of his form being a mirage, having rediscovered his best since being handed a free attacking role.
A key figure for Real Madrid
Bellingham’s resurgence is a hugely positive sign for Real Madrid, who have struggled for consistency this season.
Operating as a number 10 with freedom to roam, the 22-year-old has already scored three goals for the club, making him the second-highest scorer behind Kylian Mbappe, while also leading the team for assists.
His current scoring rate of one every 206 minutes is not far off his brilliant debut campaign.
That form has drawn widespread praise, with Roy Keane tipping him to become one of the greatest of all time, while Jermaine Defoe backed him to become England’s next captain.
For Jose Mourinho, having Bellingham firing on all cylinders is a massive boost. With a demanding run of fixtures ahead, including El Clasico, the Englishman’s leadership and quality could prove decisive as Real Madrid look to close the gap on Barcelona.
