Former Real Madrid defender warns Real Madrid about summer signing’s new role: ‘Going to need some help’

Former Real Madrid defender warns Real Madrid about summer signing’s new role: ‘Going to need some help’ Bernardo Silva may have arrived at Real Madrid as one of the key additions to Jose Mourinho’s new-look midfield, but former Los Blancos defender Rafael Alkorta believes the Portuguese star will need the right support around him. The 32-year-old joined Real Madrid to add creativity and control to a midfield that was often criticised for being overly physical last season.  Mourinho has already admitted that Bernardo arrived in less-than-ideal physical condition , but the Portuguese manager is still expected to make him a regular part of his plans. Speaking on El Larguero on SER , Alkorta praised the Bernardo Silva signing but warned that Real Madrid must be careful not to overload the experienced midfielder with too many responsibilities. Bernardo Silva could transform Real Madrid’s midfield Real Madrid needed a different profile in midfield, and Bernardo Silva appears to offer exactly that. Alkorta has warned about the usage of Bernardo Silva. (Photo by David Balogh/Getty Images) The Portuguese international is capable of controlling possession, finding space between the lines and setting the rhythm of a game.  Those qualities could bring a different balance to a Real Madrid midfield that already has plenty of energy and physical strength. However, Alkorta believes Bernardo’s role in the centre of the pitch could come with a demanding workload. The former Real Madrid player explained that operating at the heart of the build-up requires constant movement, particularly for a player expected to drop deep, receive the ball and dictate the team’s attacking tempo. “He’s a brilliant signing, a very complete player, but I get the feeling he’s going to need some help because being at the heart of the build-up, especially in the first half, is physically demanding. “You have to move around a lot, constantly look for the ball and get the rest of the team playing at the pace you want.  Bernardo Silva has signed from Manchester City. (Photo by David Balogh/Getty Images) “He’s a player who works incredibly hard off the ball, and we’ll need to strike a balance between that hard work off the ball and his creativity,” the former player explained. Real Madrid warned not to overload Bernardo Alkorta’s main concern is that Bernardo cannot be expected to do everything. If the midfielder is asked to lead Real Madrid’s build-up, create opportunities in the final third and also carry a major defensive workload, the demands could eventually take their toll. That is why Alkorta believes the team must provide him with the right balance and support. “He’ll need support because if you expect him to come up with ideas in attack whilst also winning the ball back in defence, he’ll end up being worn out,” he concluded.