CORNERFLICK
It appears that José Mourinho has assembled a collection of superstar players capable of creating one of the best—and most intimidating—teams in world football.
With the signing of Yan Diomande now finalized, Real Madrid have become one of the busiest clubs in the summer transfer window for the second consecutive year. So far, they have completed five signings—Marc Cucurella, Ibrahima Konaté, Denzel Dumfries, Bernardo Silva, and Yan Diomande—in addition to appointing Mourinho as head coach. All of these moves are part of a major rebuilding project aimed at restoring the club to championship-winning status.
To achieve that goal, one of the key figures will undoubtedly be the manager himself. After spending several years coaching second-tier European sides such as Fenerbahçe and Benfica, Mourinho once again finds himself leading a squad packed with stars. His greatest challenge will be fitting all of these talents together into a cohesive team.
The easiest position to settle is goalkeeper. Thibaut Courtois has an undisputed place in the starting lineup, while Andriy Lunin is once again expected to serve as the backup whenever the Belgian is unavailable due to injury. In defense, Marc Cucurella appears to have secured the left-back position, although Álvaro Carreras and Ferland Mendy remain competitors. The real selection dilemmas begin at center-back and right-back.
On one hand are Dean Huijsen and Éder Militão, two major investments by the club who, because of injuries and inconsistent form, have yet to fully establish themselves. This opens the door for Antonio Rüdiger and newly arrived Ibrahima Konaté to compete for a starting role. Raúl Asencio should not be overlooked either, although he is reportedly likely to leave, potentially creating room for another signing.
Meanwhile, on the right flank, with Dani Carvajal no longer in the picture, Denzel Dumfries looks like a serious candidate for the starting lineup. He is very much a "Mourinho-type" player—experienced, physically imposing, and proven defensively. Trent Alexander-Arnold, meanwhile, must continue working to earn what once seemed destined to be his permanent place, a role he has yet to fully secure. Therefore, if everyone is fully fit, the back four could consist of Cucurella, Militão, Rüdiger, and Dumfries.
In midfield, the arrival of Bernardo Silva and the anticipated signing of Rodri could transform everything. At present, Aurélien Tchouaméni and Federico Valverde appear certain to start, while Jude Bellingham would operate as the playmaker behind the striker in Mourinho's preferred 4-2-3-1 formation, a system that already seems firmly established on his tactical board. However, neither Bernardo Silva nor Arda Güler—both exceptional talents—can be ruled out for that attacking midfield role. The futures of Eduardo Camavinga, Castro, and Pitarsh remain uncertain.
Finally comes the most important department for a club like Real Madrid: the attack. In recent years, the lack of genuine chemistry between Kylian Mbappé, the team's primary goalscorer, and his teammates has been evident. Vinícius Júnior appears certain to occupy the left wing unless he completes a major transfer this summer. As for Rodrygo, Brahim Díaz, Franco Mastantuono, Endrick, and Gonzalo García, none has fully convinced the club, and each player's future remains unresolved.
This is where Real Madrid's newest signing, Yan Diomande, enters the picture. Although naturally right-footed, the young winger has demonstrated that he can play effectively on either flank. Last season at RB Leipzig, he was primarily deployed on the right wing. However, during the World Cup with Ivory Coast, he featured more frequently on the left. His pace and dribbling ability make him a major threat out wide, and Mourinho may decide to keep Vinícius Júnior in his preferred position on the left while deploying the Ivorian on the opposite flank. Otherwise, Real Madrid could find themselves with one of the fiercest competitions for a left-wing spot in world football.
As things stand, Mourinho could field a starting eleven that any manager would envy. Courtois would start in goal. The defense would consist of Cucurella, Rüdiger, Militão, and Dumfries. In midfield, Valverde and Tchouaméni would form the double pivot, with Bellingham playing as the No. 10 in an advanced attacking midfield role. Vinícius would occupy the left wing, Diomande the right, and Kylian Mbappé would lead the line as the center-forward.