Real Madrid’s midfield dilemma: Mourinho yet to solve the double pivot after eight games

Real Madrid’s midfield dilemma: Mourinho yet to solve the double pivot after eight games Real Madrid’s midfield has become one of the biggest questions facing Jose Mourinho, with the manager yet to settle on a reliable double pivot after eight matches. As explained by MARCA , the lack of attacking fluency has placed the midfield under particular scrutiny.  The outlet mentions that for now, Federico Valverde appears to be the only player Mourinho considers untouchable, while the identity of his partner has continued to change. That uncertainty is especially notable given Real Madrid’s activity during the summer.  The club wanted a midfielder capable of controlling and directing play but ultimately signed Bernardo Silva, whose profile does not completely solve that particular requirement. Four double pivots and seven midfield combinations Only Valverde’s position is certain in Mourinho’s midfield. (Photo by Florencia Tan Jun/Getty Images) Quite interestingly, Real Madrid have used four different double pivots across eight matches, while seven different midfield formations have been tried overall, including defender Trent Alexander-Arnold. However, the problem is that none of Mourinho’s available options has provided a straightforward answer alongside Valverde. Aurelien Tchouameni offers considerable defensive strength , but his ability to dictate possession and progress the ball is not regarded as his strongest attribute, making a partnership with Valverde difficult to balance. Eduardo Camavinga presents a different profile, although Mourinho has yet to show complete trust in the Frenchman, having started just twice this season. Bernardo Silva brings the technical qualities that could potentially improve Madrid’s control and creativity, particularly his vision and ability to play between the lines.  Mourinho needs to address his midfield problem soon. (Photo by Francisco Macia/Getty Images) Yet the physical demands of the position have made the double pivot a difficult role for him, while he has also struggled to establish himself as a regular starter. Thiago Pitarch could finally get his chance All this leaves Thiago Pitarch as the unexplored option. The young midfielder has not yet featured for Mourinho because of injury, meaning the manager has been unable to assess him in competitive football.  His return could therefore give Real Madrid another profile to consider when the team resumes action after the international break. Indeed, Pitarch is not guaranteed to solve the midfield problem, but his situation is different from the other candidates, as Mourinho simply has not had the opportunity to test him yet.