Real Madrid's captain, Sergio Ramos, is facing a battle for a starting spot in José Mourinho's strongest XI for the upcoming 2026/27 season.
Federico Valverde, the newly appointed captain, may find himself competing for a spot in midfield against a teammate who could be better suited to Mourinho's preferred tactical structure. According to MARCA, the Portuguese manager's setup is expected to include a double pivot, with Bernardo Silva occupying one of the roles.
Bernardo's arrival has added a new dimension to Real Madrid's midfield, with the Portuguese international offering a different profile to the team. He is seen as the player most capable of dictating the rhythm and providing creative control, making him difficult to leave out when fit.
With Bernardo occupying one of the roles, the remaining position is where the real question begins. Valverde and Aurelien Tchouameni are both established players, but they offer Mourinho very different qualities. Valverde's game is built around intensity, running power, and his ability to cover large areas of the pitch.
Tchouameni, on the other hand, offers a more natural defensive balance. He is expected to be Mourinho's ideal fit, with the ability to screen the defence, win possession, and maintain positional discipline. However, for now, Valverde has the advantage heading into the opening weeks of the season.
This is because Valverde was among the first players to return after the World Cup, has featured in every pre-season friendly, and has reportedly made a positive impression. That preparation could prove important, as Tchouameni is expected to enter the season without the same match rhythm, having not played in any of Real Madrid's pre-season.
The selection battle ahead of the new season is expected to be intense, with only one midfield place up for grabs. Real Madrid's failure to sign Rodri has changed the way Mourinho is expected to build his midfield, with Bernardo Silva offering a different profile to the team.
The Portuguese international is seen as the player most capable of dictating the rhythm and providing creative control, making him difficult to leave out when fit. However, with Valverde and Tchouameni competing for the remaining spot, the real fight comes down to which player will be chosen by Mourinho.
The situation creates an interesting dynamic for Real Madrid, as their newly appointed captain could find himself competing for a starting role against a teammate who may be better suited to the manager's preferred tactical structure. Only time will tell how this battle will play out, but one thing is certain: the competition for the starting XI spot will be fierce.
Source: Yahoo Sports
