Real Madrid youngster ready to challenge for midfield place as Mourinho considers new option – report

Real Madrid youngster ready to challenge for midfield place as Mourinho considers new option – report With the international break coming to an end and Real Madrid preparing to resume club action, Jose Mourinho has important decisions to make in midfield. Thiago Pitarch seems ready to take the next step in his Los Blancos career, with the young midfielder prepared to compete for a place in Mourinho’s midfield. According to MARCA , Pitarch is now fully ready to challenge for opportunities and remains the only midfielder Mourinho has yet to test in his double-pivot system. Pitarch waiting for his opportunity The development comes as Mourinho continues assessing the different combinations available in the centre of the pitch. The Portuguese coach has experimented with several midfield options, searching for the right balance between defensive security, ball progression and attacking support. However, Pitarch has not yet been given an opportunity in the double pivot, despite firmly being in the first-team plans. Thiago Pitarch has already shown maturity beyond his years. (Photo by Florencia Tan Jun/Getty Images) His technical qualities and ability to operate in tight spaces could make him an interesting alternative as Mourinho considers how to improve the team’s midfield structure. However, with Aurelien Tchouameni, Federico Valverde, Eduardo Camavinga and Bernardo Silva among the options available, earning minutes could prove to be a major challenge. Mourinho has one midfield experiment left Pitarch’s situation is particularly interesting because Mourinho has already shown a willingness to evaluate different players in deeper midfield positions. The double pivot demands much more than simply keeping possession. The players must recognise when to press, when to keep the ball and when to progress it. For a young midfielder, those responsibilities can be demanding, but Pitarch has already shown that he is ready for such a role. The upcoming weeks could offer Mourinho an opportunity to test Pitarch without placing excessive expectations on him. Mourinho should manage Pitarch’s minutes carefully. (Photo by Angel Martinez/Getty Images) Madrid face a demanding schedule across La Liga and the Champions League, making midfield rotation increasingly important. The defensive crisis also means that Mourinho might have to use Aurelien Tchouameni as a centre-back, at least against Villarreal. Rather than immediately asking the youngster to compete for a permanent starting position, Mourinho could introduce him alongside an experienced defensive midfielder. Playing Fede Valverde alongside Pitarch, for example, could be an interesting set-up for Mourinho to try out. Pitarch has shown plenty of promise in his short time with the first team. It remains to be seen how he fares in the coming weeks and whether he gains a more prominent role under Mourinho.