Real Madrid star could lose ‘untouchable’ status under Mourinho amid midfield competition

Real Madrid star could lose ‘untouchable’ status under Mourinho amid midfield competition Real Madrid kicked off their 2026-27 La Liga season with a late victory over Espanyol, with Jude Bellingham and Carlos Espi on the scoresheet. All eyes were on Jose Mourinho and how he would set the team up against the Catalan club, to gain an early insight into what his preferred XI looks like. One interesting selection choice was always going to be the midfield, and Bernardo Silva partnered Federico Valverde in that position last night. While last night was a fairly straightforward choice with Aurelien Tchouameni recovering from an injury, this could be one of Mourinho’s biggest headaches going forward. Now, according to Cadena SER , the Frenchman may no longer be guaranteed a place in Real Madrid’s midfield under Jose Mourinho, with the competition for roles intensifying following the arrival of Bernardo. Tchouameni no longer an automatic starter? Tchouameni no longer an untouchable? (Photo by Justin Setterfield/Getty Images) Journalist Tomas Roncero believes Tchouameni could be one of the first players affected by Mourinho’s search for the right midfield formula after the 2-1 victory over Espanyol. “I think Tchouameni is not going to be as untouchable as he was,” Roncero said. He argued that the situation has changed because Madrid now possess considerably more competition in that area of the squad. Roncero believes Bernardo could play a major role in Mourinho’s midfield, particularly when Madrid face opponents who defend deep at the Bernabeu. He described the Portuguese veteran as Madrid’s most creative option for directing possession from deeper areas. That has become especially important after Madrid missed out on Rodri, who ultimately joined Barcelona. “With Rodri not arriving, the only player who can really play that positional football and organise the game is Bernardo Silva,” Roncero explained. Having spent years at Manchester City under Pep Guardiola, it is the least Madrid can ask for from Silva. Mourinho has a genuine midfield puzzle Mourinho is not afraid to take big calls. (Photo by Jose Manuel Alvarez Rey/Getty Images) Jose Mourinho has also suggested the possibility of Arda Guler developing into a No. 6 in the coming years, but that is unlikely to be a solution in the short term. The situation, however, does not necessarily mean that Tchouameni will become a peripheral figure at the club. His defensive qualities remain different from those offered by Bernardo, while Mourinho will require different midfield combinations depending on the opponent. However, the options are plenty. Valverde provides intensity and running power, Bernardo offers control and creativity, while Tchouameni and Camavinga add bite to the position. Tchouameni must now convince Mourinho that his defensive security outweighs what he does not offer creatively. Ultimately, having too much of something is a better headache than having too little. The onus is now on Mourinho to solve the midfield puzzle.