Mourinho Has Six Guaranteed Starters at Real Madrid

Real Madrid's new manager, Jose Mourinho, already has six guaranteed starters for the upcoming season. However, the 'Special One' is still deliberating over the remaining five positions on the pitch, according to AS. The Madrid-based publication reports that goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois, new signing Marc Cucurella at left-back, midfielders Federico Valverde and Jude Bellingham, left-winger Vinicius Junior, and central striker Kylian Mbappé can all be confident of their place in the Portuguese coach's starting XI.

The right-back spot will see a battle between Trent Alexander-Arnold and Denzel Dumfries, who arrived from Inter. For the two central defensive positions, a total of five players are vying for a place: Ibrahima Konaté, signed from Liverpool, Dean Huijsen, Antonio Rüdiger, Éder Militão, and Raúl Asensio. The third midfield slot will be contested by former Manchester City captain Bernardo Silva, Aurélien Tchouaméni, Eduardo Camavinga, and potentially Tiago Pitarque, should he not be loaned out. On the right wing of the attack, given Rodrygo's serious injury, the competition is between Arda Güler and Brahim Díaz, while Franco Mastantuono and Endrick must decide whether to remain at the Bernabéu or go out on loan to another club.