Mourinho sees Real Madrid new signing as fully compatible with key defender

Mourinho sees Real Madrid new signing as fully compatible with key defender Jose Mourinho is considering a tactical solution that could finally give Real Madrid’s record signing Yan Diomande his first start while also allowing Trent Alexander-Arnold to move into a more central role. According to an update from AS (h/t Madrid Xtra ), Mourinho believes Alexander-Arnold and Diomande can complement each other, with the teenager’s presence on the right potentially allowing the England international to move inside and influence the game from midfield. The idea could become particularly relevant when Real Madrid host Inter Milan in their Champions League opener, with Mourinho facing a depleted midfield and several difficult selection decisions. Mourinho sees a way to fit Alexander-Arnold and Diomande Diomande has had a slow introduction to life at Real Madrid since arriving as the club’s record signing.  The 19-year-old has made four league appearances but has accumulated only 83 minutes and has yet to start a match. Diomande is yet to start for Real Madrid. (Photo by Denis Doyle/Getty Images) Mourinho has been cautious with his integration, but the circumstances surrounding the Inter game could accelerate the process . Arda Guler, Bernardo Silva and Eduardo Camavinga are all suspended, while Aurelien Tchouameni and Thiago Pitarch remain serious doubts.  The shortage of midfield options, thus, could force Mourinho to make changes elsewhere in the team. That could open the door for Diomande to finally make his first Real Madrid start. The winger’s inclusion would also help facilitate Mourinho’s plan for Alexander-Arnold.  Rather than remaining at right-back, the former Liverpool player could move into midfield and operate as part of a double pivot. Alexander-Arnold could move into midfield Alexander-Arnold could feature in the midfield. (Photo by Jose Manuel Alvarez Rey/Getty Images) As reported before, the proposed midfield pairing would see Alexander-Arnold alongside Federico Valverde, with the Englishman taking responsibility for building attacks and Valverde providing the defensive protection and energy around him. Alexander-Arnold’s passing range makes the idea understandable.  From a deeper position, he would have more opportunities to dictate the tempo, switch play and exploit spaces with his long-range distribution. His movement into midfield would also create room for Diomande to operate higher on the right.  At the same time, Denzel Dumfries could then occupy the right-back position, giving Mourinho a structure that accommodates all three players without forcing Alexander-Arnold to remain in his traditional role.