Mourinho and his damned problem in midfield

If anything has worked against the white side in these past two seasons, it has been their inability to control and manage games in terms of tempo. After all the rumors and names such as Enzo, Rodri or Wharton, barring a surprise, there will be no more signings. So then, who will be the midfield engine for Madrid?

Valverde and Tchouameni: what we know and... is it reliable?

27

Fede Valverde
16.440.000€-600.000€ 4

J4

6

J3

7

J2

10

J1

MD

10

0

Tchouaméni
4.250.000€-290.000€ -

J4

-

J3

-

J2

-

J1

MD

00

Leaving the controversy aside, the Uruguayan and the Frenchman have been the starters in Real Madrid's midfield since Kroos and Modric left. Both have had their ups and downs, but beyond that, neither has the profile to dominate the ball. There is no doubt physically: no one is like them. Technically, there are others ahead of them. Maybe we will not see them together much, but everything points to the fact that one of the two will be a starter.

Bernardo Silva: the possible only figure that is non-negotiable

13

Bernardo Silva
14.800.000€-980.000€ 3

J4

3

J3

2

J2

5

J1

MD

00

The former Manchester City man has shown with Guardiola that he can play as a '5' and do it at a high level. In pre-season he has made the obvious clear: he could be the player who moves the ball with good judgment and is capable of linking up with Bellingham and the three attackers. His class and experience make him one of the two pivots in the XI.

Camavinga and Thiago, the ones further down the pecking order. Güler, the unknown

The '6' and the academy graduate- already registered with the first team-, seem to be the least likely options to partner Bernardo Silva. Both have been linked as possible exits in this summer window, and their involvement is heavily dependent on potential injuries, although given the congestion of the sporting calendar, they will have minutes to convince Mourinho.

37

Arda Güler
14.930.000€+860.000€ 7

J4

12

J3

11

J2

7

J1

MD

11

Arda Güler has possibly been the best player in pre-season. With many of the internationals absent, the Turk has played more than 260 minutes. José Mourinho has publicly acknowledged his strong start and performance and, in theory, will reward him with a starting spot against Espanyol. The 'problem' comes afterwards; the attacking midfielder, barring a surprise, will be Bellingham. His World Cup and his numbers (7 goals and 1 assist) make him a sure bet in terms of value near the area.

But we should not forget that the Madrid coach himself considers him in the running for the double pivot, just as Xabi Alonso did back in the day. 

"I love Güler. I think something similar will happen to him as happened to Modric or to Bernardo Silva: you start in one position and end up in another, you start as a 10 and you will finish as an 8, a 6. I think Arda will go in that direction with his development and his understanding of the game".

Three safe Fantasy bets for matchday 1 and the season: Courtoois, Vinicus and Mbappé 

The 'Belgian giant' starts as the favorite to repeat as the best goalkeeper. The Mbappé- Vini duo will be looking, from the start, at last, to meet expectations.