Real Madrid News
Mourinho identifies four Real Madrid players to solve long-standing build-up problem
Jose Mourinho has identified the four players he wants to take greater responsibility for Real Madrid’s build-up play as he looks to address one of the team’s recurring weaknesses.
According to Defensa Central, the Portuguese coach has used the international break to work on improving how Madrid progress the ball from defence.
On that note, his solution involves giving greater responsibility to Arda Guler, Bernardo Silva, Jude Bellingham and Federico Valverde.
The plan places particular importance on supporting Valverde when opponents attempt to press Madrid aggressively.
Mourinho wants Guler, Silva, Bellingham and Valverde involved
Mourinho believes the four midfielders possess the technical qualities required to help Madrid escape pressure and move the ball forward more effectively.
That means they will be expected to drop deeper at different stages of possession, with Guler and Bellingham particularly important because they normally operate higher up the pitch.
The objective is to create more passing options around the first line of pressure rather than leaving Valverde to deal with opposition pressure on his own.
Tchouameni left out of Mourinho’s build-up plan
One notable aspect of the approach is the reduced responsibility given to Aurelien Tchouameni.
Despite operating as Madrid’s defensive midfielder, the Frenchman is not considered by Mourinho to be the player who should carry the main burden of controlling possession when opponents press high.
Instead, Valverde is expected to remain the undisputed starter in the double pivot, with Guler and Bernardo Silva providing additional support during the initial stages of attacks.
That structure would allow Madrid to distribute the responsibility across several technically capable players rather than depending on one midfielder to dictate the first phase.
Bellingham given advanced role in possession
Further forward, Mourinho wants Bellingham to operate in a staggered position that gives the midfield a strong passing option.
Simply put, if the opposition blocks one route forward, the team should have another player available to receive the ball and continue the move forward.
This could help the team avoid becoming predictable when facing intense pressure, while also giving Valverde greater support in the deeper areas.
Real Madrid youngster Endrick continues to attract interest from several clubs ahead of another potential loan move in the upcoming January transfer window.
The latest side considering a move for the Brazilian forward is Aston Villa.
Indeed, according to reports relayed by Bernabeu Digital, the Premier League club are interested in signing the Real Madrid striker on loan in January.
No minutes for Endrick
Endrick has had very limited opportunities under Jose Mourinho this season. Across Real Madrid’s nine matches in La Liga and the UEFA Champions League, the Brazilian has played just four minutes, coming on in the 86th minute against Elche.
Such limited playing time has left the young forward struggling to gain the minutes and experience needed to develop his talent at Real Madrid.
As such, another loan move, like last January when he left for Olympique Lyon, could offer him a chance to play more regularly and continue his progression.
Aston Villa, managed by Unai Emery, have now emerged as an interested party to acquire the Brazilian international’s services on loan for the second half of the season.
AC Milan also interested in Endrick
Howver, Aston Villa are not the only club monitoring Endrick’s situation. AC Milan have also renewed their interest in the Brazilian forward.
The Rossoneri already held an interest in the 20-year-old forward during the summer transfer window and are knocking on the doors once again now.
In fact, some reports in Italy even go on to suggest that the youngster is ready to pounce on the opportunity to sign for the Serie A giants.
For now, however, there have been no concrete developments or formal approaches from any interested club.
Real Madrid are understood to be open to allowing Endrick to leave on loan, but they are not considering a permanent sale as they still have a lot of faith in the promising attacker whom they signed from Palmeiras.
With Aston Villa and AC Milan both interested, the coming months could prove important in determining where the young Brazilian will continue his development.
