Report: Four issues occupy Mourinho at Real Madrid before competitions return

José Mourinho is starting to shape a clearer picture of Real Madrid's lineup, but the Portuguese coach still has several decisions to make that could directly impact the team's form when competitions resume after the international break.

Sport reports that Mourinho has four main open cases regarding the right-back, center-back, two midfielders, and the attacking setup.

The right-back battle and the resolution of the defensive duo:

Denzel Dumfries appears to be slightly ahead of Alexander Arnold in the right-back position, as the Dutchman particularly fits Mourinho's physical ideas. He entered the international break after playing an important role with his national team. On the other hand, Arnold provides the team with different options in building play from the back, but lapses in defensive concentration remain a point that weakens his position in front of the Portuguese coach.

In central defense, the partnership of Ibrahima Konaté and Dean Huijsen seems to be the closest at the moment, but injuries and suspensions may impose changes on José Mourinho's calculations. Additionally, Éder Militão's return remains an important factor, as he has begun working with the group and is close to returning, which could rearrange the competition in the backline, especially since the Brazilian, if he returns to his best form, is considered the best defender in the team.

The midfield dilemma:

The midfield remains another area that requires a clear decision from Mourinho. Federico Valverde and Aurélien Tchouaméni give Real Madrid the ability to move and security, but combining them may leave the team lacking in creativity with the ball, a problem the team has suffered from for several seasons. In this context, Bernardo Silva represents the different type of player that the midfield needs, but his role so far has been below expectations, and his limited participation with the Portugal national team raises questions about his physical condition. Therefore, Mourinho will have to balance the strength and stability provided by Valverde and Tchouaméni with the need for a player who can offer the team greater solutions with the ball.

Juler and Diomandé apply pressure, and Vinicius is in the spotlight.

The most intriguing aspect of the file relates to the attack, where Arda Güler and Diomande are demanding more space within the formation. Güler has become an important source of creativity, while Diomande is proving capable of providing what the team needs at the moment. The minutes he received during the derby were an encouraging sign for Real Madrid fans, but granting the duo more space requires moving another player. Here, Vinicius Junior emerges as the name most under technical pressure, following a start that has been well below his usual level.

Despite José Mourinho publicly defending the Brazilian player and stating that regaining his form is a matter of time, the continued good performances from Güler and Diomande may put the coach in a difficult position regarding balancing the attacking line.

Thus, the four files that occupy Mourinho are summarised in deciding the competition between Denzel Dumfries and Trent Alexander-Arnold, determining Dean Huijsen's partner in central defence, choosing the best combination for the midfield duo, and finding the right space for Arda Güler and Mamadou Doucouré without letting go of Vinicius Junior. October, with the strength of the upcoming matches, will be an important opportunity to see the decisions Mourinho will make and whether these files will lead to clear changes in the shape of Real Madrid when competitions resume.