Mourinho considers new roles for four Real Madrid players

Jose Mourinho is exploring positional changes for four Real Madrid players as he looks to make the most of the squad’s versatility.

According to Defensa Central, the Real Madrid manager is assessing whether his team can improve by giving certain players different responsibilities. Fede Valverde, Aurelien Tchouameni, Trent Alexander-Arnold and Arda Guler are among those who could be asked to operate in unfamiliar positions.

Mourinho tested one such adjustment during the goalless phase of Real Madrid’s meeting with Villarreal, moving Valverde to right-back in the second half. The aim was to add greater attacking threat from the right without weakening the team defensively.

The decision proved effective, with Valverde creating the only goal of the match by supplying the assist for Diomande. Mourinho’s willingness to use the Uruguay international in that role reflects the options available to him.

Further positional changes could be considered in forthcoming matches, either because of injuries and absences or because the manager wants alternatives capable of improving the team’s overall performance.

Alexander-Arnold could be used in midfield

Valverde’s deployment at right-back against Villarreal gave Real Madrid more attacking depth on that flank. Another possibility is to move Alexander-Arnold into midfield, a role he has already tried during the match against Inter Milan, although that experiment did not produce the desired outcome.

Despite that result, the England international could offer Real Madrid significant qualities in midfield in different circumstances. Against opponents who defend deep, remain compact and allow the Spanish side to dominate possession, Alexander-Arnold’s ability to distribute the ball and create attacks could become particularly valuable.

His impact could be greater if he plays alongside Tchouameni, who would be able to provide the defensive cover required behind him. The arrangement could also help Real Madrid find and exploit openings in tightly organised defences.

Tchouameni option at centre-back

Real Madrid are dealing with injuries to Eder Militao and Raul Asencio, while Ibrahima Konate has only just returned to fitness. Antonio Rudiger’s physical condition also means he is no longer able to play a large number of consecutive minutes.

Those circumstances may lead Mourinho to seek a partner for Dean Huijsen in central defence. Tchouameni appears to be the preferred solution, partly because the manager has followed his performances in that position during previous seasons.

Mourinho believes the France international can provide considerable stability at the back and appears to favour him over selecting a player from the club’s academy. Tchouameni’s experience of playing as a centre-back is an important factor in that preference.

Guler may move into a deeper role

Guler has previously played as an attacking midfielder, on the right wing and alongside a defensive midfielder. Mourinho has also identified the Turkey international’s ability to influence matches when operating in more central areas.

The position currently occupied by Jude Bellingham could allow Guler to have a greater impact, particularly because of his capacity to deliver assists and create chances. Mourinho is not considering dropping Bellingham from the starting XI, but Guler could provide an alternative in some matches or be allowed to move infield from the right.

That movement would also create an opportunity for Valverde to cover at right-back and advance along the flank, helping Real Madrid retain their balance while varying the way their attacking roles are distributed.