Real Madrid News
Three options for Jose Mourinho in case Kylian Mbappe doesn’t start vs Villarreal
Real Madrid were given a massive boost earlier this week as Kylian Mbappe’s knock against Turkiye did not appear to be as serious as many had expected.
That being said, the club must still take precaution with the Frenchman, who has once again been a key differentiator in the final third for Los Blancos.
Although Mbappe should be ready for the Villarreal game, Mourinho could consider benching him and, to that end, the Real Madrid manager certainly has a few alternatives.
Bellingham as a false nine
The first option would see Jude Bellingham deployed as a striker, with Arda Guler dropping into the playmaker role behind him.
This setup would allow Real Madrid to retain their creative spark through Guler, while Bellingham’s late runs into the box could offer a genuine goal threat.
Vinicius Jr would remain on the left, with Yan Diomande the first-choice option on the right, and Brahim Diaz available in reserve.
Carlos Espi as the spearhead
Alternatively, Mourinho could turn to Carlos Espi as a direct replacement through the middle.
The summer signing has impressed whenever called upon, and Mourinho views him as particularly useful inside the box and on crosses thanks to his height and aerial strength.
Against a Villarreal side that may sit deep at times, Espi’s presence in the area could prove valuable in breaking them down.
Having already scored crucial goals off the bench this season, the young Spaniard has shown he can be relied upon when needed.
Endrick a viable alternative
Finally, Endrick remains an option despite his very limited game time so far this season.
Mourinho was impressed with the Brazilian during pre-season and even blocked his exit on loan, a clear sign of the faith he holds in him.
A start against Villarreal would offer Endrick a rare chance to stake his claim and prove he can be a useful contributor.
Whichever route Mourinho chooses, Real Madrid have enough attacking quality to cope should Mbappe be rested.
Bernardo Silva was one of Real Madrid’s headline signings last summer. The Portuguese midfielder arrived on a free transfer from Manchester City and appeared destined to become the creative successor to Toni Kroos and Luka Modric in the middle of the park.
Indeed, with the club having not signed a new central midfielder, many within Real Madrid saw the veteran star as a solution to the issue.
Manager Jose Mourinho made him a starter from the very beginning in pre-season, but not in his usual role on the right. Instead, he deployed his compatriot as a deep-lying playmaker in the midfield double pivot.
A change in circumstances
Silva failed to have the expected influence when operating in a deeper role in midfield in the chances he got.
Combined with the emergence of Arda Guler and Aurelien Tchouameni’s return to fitness, the Portuguese international has now lost his place in the starting line-up and dropped to the bench.
Bernardo’s situation became particularly striking against Villarreal this past Saturday at the Santiago Bernabeu, when he did not play a single minute.
Limited opportunities under Mourinho
Bernardo has played six matches for Real Madrid, starting three and coming on as a substitute in another three.
He did not feature against Villarreal or Elche, while his only appearance in the last three matches was a little over 10 minutes against Atletico Madrid. He was not used regularly by the Portugal national team during the international break either.
Across Real Madrid’s eight La Liga fixtures, Silva has accumulated just 282 minutes of playing time.
The Champions League now presents another opportunity for the former Manchester City captain, who has yet to make his European debut for Real Madrid this season.
He missed the match against Inter Milan because he was still serving a suspension carried over from his time at the Etihad Stadium last season.
It remains to be seen whether Mourinho will give him an opportunity against AS Roma in the coming week.
For now, the midfielder’s reduced playing time suggests that the Portuguese coach has lost some of his faith in a player who arrived with high expectations after leaving Manchester City.
