Real Madrid News
Real Madrid’s midfield dilemma: Mourinho yet to solve the double pivot after eight games
Real Madrid’s midfield has become one of the biggest questions facing Jose Mourinho, with the manager yet to settle on a reliable double pivot after eight matches.
As explained by MARCA, the lack of attacking fluency has placed the midfield under particular scrutiny.
The outlet mentions that for now, Federico Valverde appears to be the only player Mourinho considers untouchable, while the identity of his partner has continued to change.
That uncertainty is especially notable given Real Madrid’s activity during the summer.
The club wanted a midfielder capable of controlling and directing play but ultimately signed Bernardo Silva, whose profile does not completely solve that particular requirement.
Four double pivots and seven midfield combinations
Quite interestingly, Real Madrid have used four different double pivots across eight matches, while seven different midfield formations have been tried overall, including defender Trent Alexander-Arnold.
However, the problem is that none of Mourinho’s available options has provided a straightforward answer alongside Valverde.
Aurelien Tchouameni offers considerable defensive strength, but his ability to dictate possession and progress the ball is not regarded as his strongest attribute, making a partnership with Valverde difficult to balance.
Eduardo Camavinga presents a different profile, although Mourinho has yet to show complete trust in the Frenchman, having started just twice this season.
Bernardo Silva brings the technical qualities that could potentially improve Madrid’s control and creativity, particularly his vision and ability to play between the lines.
Yet the physical demands of the position have made the double pivot a difficult role for him, while he has also struggled to establish himself as a regular starter.
Thiago Pitarch could finally get his chance
All this leaves Thiago Pitarch as the unexplored option.
The young midfielder has not yet featured for Mourinho because of injury, meaning the manager has been unable to assess him in competitive football.
His return could therefore give Real Madrid another profile to consider when the team resumes action after the international break.
Indeed, Pitarch is not guaranteed to solve the midfield problem, but his situation is different from the other candidates, as Mourinho simply has not had the opportunity to test him yet.
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.
