Report: Why Bernardo Silva is not getting a regular role at Real Madrid?

Bernardo Silva's start at Real Madrid has not gone as expected after joining the team during the last summer transfer window from Manchester City on a free transfer, following the player's conviction in José Mourinho's project, who personally requested to sign him.

Bernardo Silva was expected to play a key role in Real Madrid's lineup, especially as Mourinho saw his versatility and experience as important factors in reshaping the midfield. However, the Portuguese player has only featured in 6 matches since the start of the season, starting 3 of them, with a total of 282 minutes played, without scoring any goals or providing a single assist.

In his first starting appearance, Silva played in midfield alongside Federico Valverde, before being pushed forward by Mourinho into a more advanced position. However, the strong competition in midfield at Real Madrid, with Valverde, Tchouaméni, Camavinga, Bellingham, and Arda Güler, gives the Portuguese coach plenty of options.

José Mourinho has stated that Bernardo Silva arrived at pre-season in less than ideal physical condition, emphasizing the need for improvement. As the weeks passed, the player's situation did not change much, as he remained on the bench against Elche, before participating for only 8 minutes in the Madrid derby against Atlético, which Real Madrid lost 2-1.

Bernardo Silva's situation presents a clear paradox as he chose Real Madrid for a key role but has started only 3 matches. The irony is that Mourinho did not sign him as a backup player, but for his ability to occupy multiple positions.

This flexibility appears to be a double-edged sword for Bernardo Silva, as it allows Mourinho to use him in multiple roles, but it may also make him the player who changes position according to the team's needs, rather than having a fixed place in the lineup.

The absences of Bernardo Silva, Eduardo Camavinga, and Arda Güler due to suspension against Inter show that a player's absence can affect José Mourinho's options, as the manager was forced to adjust his midfield during that match.

Bernardo Silva faces the challenge of turning his versatility into a regular starting spot in Real Madrid's lineup, amid strong competition in midfield. The team currently sits fourth in La Liga, six points behind FC Barcelona.