Mourinho set to start struggling forward against Villarreal as in-form winger faces the bench – report

Mourinho set to start struggling forward against Villarreal as in-form winger faces the bench – report Jose Mourinho is sticking with Vinicius Jr. despite the Brazilian’s difficult start to the season, with the Real Madrid winger expected to start against Villarreal while Yan Diomande prepares for a place on the bench. According to AS , Mourinho intends to retain his familiar attacking trio as Madrid return to La Liga action at the Santiago Bernabeu.  The decision comes at a crucial point in the campaign, with Los Blancos already six points behind Barcelona and under pressure to prevent the gap from growing. The outlet mentions that although changes are expected elsewhere in the starting XI because of the circumstances surrounding Real Madrid’s preparations, Mourinho appears unwilling to make a major alteration to his forward line. Vinicius gets another start despite poor form Vinicius has struggled to produce his usual numbers during the opening weeks of the campaign.  Across his first eight matches, the Brazilian has registered just one goal and three assists, marking his worst start to a season since the pandemic. That return has fuelled questions about whether Mourinho should consider alternative options on the left wing.  Vinicius will retain his starting role. (Photo by Francisco Macia/Getty Images) However, the Portuguese coach is prepared to continue backing the 26-year-old , hoping regular opportunities will help him recover his confidence and attacking influence. On the other hand, Arda Guler is expected to operate on the right, with Kylian Mbappe leading the line.  The arrangement would preserve the attacking structure Mourinho has generally preferred, rather than reshuffling the forward line after a difficult run for Vinicius. Diomande misses out despite impressing for Real Madrid Meanwhile, Diomande has given Mourinho a genuine alternative on the left.  The summer signing impressed in the matches against Elche and Atletico Madrid before the international break, strengthening the argument for a bigger role in the first team. His direct running and willingness to take on defenders have offered Madrid another attacking dimension.  Diomande will be on the bench against Villarreal. (Photo by Denis Doyle/Getty Images) With Vinicius struggling for consistency, Diomande’s performances have made the competition for the position increasingly interesting. However, the Spanish outlet indicates that the young attacker will begin the Villarreal match among the substitutes.  Real Madrid cannot afford another setback The selection decision comes with Real Madrid needing a response in the league.  Villarreal may have endured an uneven start, but their quality makes them a dangerous opponent, particularly if Los Blancos fail to control the match. With Barcelona holding a six-point advantage, Mourinho needs both results and improved performances from his attacking players.  Backing Vinicius could pay off if the Brazilian rediscovers his best form, but Diomande’s emergence gives the coach another option should the established forward struggle again.