Bernardo Silva experiment offers little consolation for Real Madrid after Rodri setback

Real Madrid’s decision to use Bernardo Silva as a temporary solution to their defensive midfield problem lasted only 18 minutes in their 2-1 friendly victory over Ferencvarosi, highlighting the uncertainty surrounding the position after Rodri turned down a move to the Spanish club.

The match offered no basis for firm conclusions, given its pre-season nature. However, there had been considerable interest in how Jose Mourinho would respond to a midfield issue that has remained unresolved since Toni Kroos retired.

Rodri, Manchester City’s midfielder, rejected Real Madrid’s proposal during the previous week. In response, people close to the club quickly indicated that no specialist replacement would be signed and that Bernardo Silva would occasionally be used to perform the role, according to Mundo Deportivo.

That decision attracted further attention when Silva made his first appearance in a Real Madrid shirt. The Portugal international was introduced at half-time in place of Eduardo Camavinga and deployed in a double-pivot midfield alongside Federico Valverde.

His time in the deeper position was brief. In the 63rd minute, Jorge Cistero replaced Silva in that role, while Mourinho moved the Portuguese midfielder further forward into the number 10 position. The manager said Silva’s limited fitness had influenced the decision.

“This poor player benefits psychologically from resting during the holidays. He appeared in much worse physical condition. He needs to improve his skills. But Bernardo is a great player; he gives us attacking options from deeper positions if he plays as a number 10 or a forward,” Mourinho said after the game.

He added: “During the match, I noticed that he lacked some physical strength, so I moved him to the centre-forward position. I brought on Cistero to provide more stability. The centre-forward position is another role Bernardo can play well in. He is a player capable of occupying three or four positions.”

The comments underline the flexibility Mourinho believes Silva can offer, but the match also showed why the club’s midfield structure remains a subject of debate. Silva was unable to spend the full second half as the deeper midfielder, with Cistero brought on to add greater security behind him.

It remains to be seen whether Mourinho will use Silva in the same position again during Real Madrid’s remaining friendly matches. For now, Federico Valverde, Aurelien Tchouameni and Eduardo Camavinga remain the players currently competing for the defensive midfield role.

That group is the same combination that was used last season, unless Real Madrid change their plans and complete a signing before the transfer window closes. Rodri’s decision not to join has therefore left Mourinho testing an improvised solution rather than introducing a specialist replacement.

The 2-1 win over Ferencvarosi remains only a friendly result, but Silva’s short spell in the role has provided an early indication that Real Madrid may still need to find a more settled answer in midfield.