Rabat – Moroccan international Brahim Díaz faces increased competition for a regular starting role at Real Madrid as head coach José Mourinho considers several options for the attacking midfield position ahead of the 2026-2027 season.
Spanish newspaper Mundo Deportivo reported that Mourinho has been developing a 4-2-3-1 formation during Real Madrid’s preseason preparations, with the system requiring him to choose between several high-profile players capable of operating behind the main striker.
Jude Bellingham is considered the leading candidate for the No. 10 position, while new signing Bernardo Silva provides Mourinho with another experienced and technically gifted option.
The competition could leave Díaz and Turkish international Arda Güler with reduced roles, although Mourinho has yet to publicly establish his preferred starting lineup for the coming campaign.
Competition for the No. 10 role
Real Madrid officially appointed Mourinho on June 11, giving the Portuguese coach a three-year contract running until June 2029. The appointment marked Mourinho’s return to the Spanish club after his first spell between 2010 and 2013.
The club subsequently signed Bernardo Silva on a two-year agreement lasting until June 2028. The former Manchester City midfielder can play centrally, behind the striker or from the right side, giving Mourinho additional flexibility in the final third.
Mundo Deportivo said that Bernardo’s arrival was specifically requested by Mourinho, potentially strengthening the Portugal international’s chances of receiving an important role.
Bellingham, meanwhile, remains well suited to an advanced midfield position because of his ability to carry the ball forward, create opportunities and enter the penalty area.
Mourinho could also use the England international in a deeper position, but the Spanish report expects him to begin the season as the preferred attacking midfielder.
Guler and Diaz are among the other players capable of occupying the central role. Both can also play from the right, meaning their opportunities could depend on Mourinho’s formation, squad rotation and the availability of other attackers.
Real Madrid are expected to compete across several domestic and international competitions, giving the coach reasons to rotate his squad rather than rely on a single attacking combination throughout the season.
Diaz returned to preseason training on August 3 alongside Vinícius Junior and Bernardo Silva after completing his post-World Cup break. The players underwent medical examinations before joining Mourinho’s session at Real Madrid City.
The Málaga-born attacker, who turned 27 on the same day, is entering the final year of the contract he signed after returning from AC Milan in 2023. That agreement runs until June 30, 2027.
Mourinho must now determine how Díaz fits into an attack containing Bellingham, Bernardo, Güler, Kylian Mbappé, Vinícius Junior and other established options.
The Moroccan’s ability to cover several positions could help him earn minutes during a demanding season. However, the competition means his preseason performances and effectiveness when given opportunities could be decisive in his attempt to secure a more prominent role.
